2017 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and RCMP from across Canada will be in attendance to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by Canadians during a commemorative ceremony. During WWI about 200 RCMP members and 700 new recruits transferred to the Canadian Expeditionary Force, organized as 'A' Squadron, and served in France and Belgium.
Prince Edward Island RCMP Corporal John McBride will be representing RCMP from the Island as part of the RCMP ceremonial troop joining the Canadian Armed Forces in France.
RCMP members were selected from across Canada with generational connections to the Battle of Vimy Ridge and World War 1. Cpl. McBride's Great-Uncle James McBride, from Scotchfort, PEI, enlisted in 1915 and fought in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, ultimately dying in France shortly after the battle on May 13, 1917. James McBride was recruited out of Regina, SK, in 1915, as part of the Eastern Ontario Regiment of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. James McBride sent many letters before the battle depicting the life of those at the front line. Those letters written by soldiers are a strong reminder of the sacrifices made at Vimy Ridge.
Cpl. McBride will take part in events being held in the City of Arras, at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and in surrounding communities, including the ceremonial ceremony. These events will pay tribute to all who served our country to ensure the peace and freedom shared by all today.
With estimated 100,000 Canadians serving during the battle, there were 10,600 casualties, 3,600 fatal. The site of the memorial, on land granted to Canada for all time by France out of gratitude to Canadians and the battle won, is inscribed with the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers listed "missing, presumed dead" as a result of the First World War.
RCMP on Prince Edward Island will be following the social media information from the celebrations with the Twitter #Vimy100 and are honoured to be part of the celebrations.
Shown in photos: P.E.I. RCMP member Cpl. John McBride and his Great-Uncle James McBride