A Time of Remembrance: 

Lest We Forget 

By: Rachael B., Student Reporter

This year, Loretto Abbey took part in Remembrance Day ceremonies by selling poppies to students and teachers, standing for a moment of silence, and having our student cadets leading the school through a special liturgy.

In honor of Remembrance Day, let us commemorate one of the bloodiest battles in Canada’s wartime history, one that Canadian soldiers were able to win in spite of the horrendous conditions, and played a major role in establishing Canada as its own nation: The Battle of Passchendale.

The Battle of Passchendaele, which this year celebrated its 100th anniversary, began on July 31, 1917 and lasted until November 10, 1917. The commander in charge of leading the Canadian troops to victory was Canadian Commander Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie. The Canadian Corps joined the battle with the commencement of phase one on October 26th, which included the “creeping barrage” tactic. This resulted in the capture of the first targets by October 27th. The village of Passchendaele was then apprehended due to further effort on October 30th and November 6th. The last of the German forces had been pushed from the Passchendaele ridge by November 10th, which allowed Canadian forces to capture the ridge and declare victory.

The Battle of Passchendaele is said to have been the bloodiest and one of the most important battles in Canada’s history. This is because, even with horrendous conditions, soldiers showed tremendous amounts of resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication towards their cause, until their very last breath. 16,404 brave Canadian soldiers lost their lives in this battle.

What Canadians sacrificed and accomplished as a result of the battle of Passchendaele helped our nation to gain global recognition and augmented our Country’s honour by showing that Canada’s military was one of the greatest combative forces on the Western Front. Additionally, the Battle of Passchendaele helped Canada earn a distinct signature on the Rreaty of Versailles that officially ended World War.

This is only one of the many battles in Canada’s wartime history that shows how vital it is to remember the soldiers who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their lives for our freedom. As a sign of respect, wear a poppy throughout the month of November to remember all the soldiers who have fought in honour of our country. “Lest We Forget”.​