**Update,,Vimy Ridge, 100th Anniversary, April 09, 2017**

Just remember to anyone planing on the trip, WEATHER!

Make sure you bring the right clothing.

It could be dam cold or a decent temperature.

On average, it could possibly be +3c at night right up to a high of +13c in the day.

Buuuuttttt!
 
Went with my dad in 2002 and it was my proudest moment as a Canadian. It is a trip that every Canadian should take. If you are on the fence about going, I strongly encourage you to go. Spent a day in the town of Lens close to Vimy as well. Beautiful little town.
 
not meaning to hijack your thread but I thought a few here would appreciate hearing this sad news.
This from a Friend at the QOR Rifles in Toronto.

Afternoon ALL


It is with a heavy heart that our wonderful friend from Normandy Herve Hoffer passed away this morning. Owner of The Maison The Queen's Own Rifles. Now known as The Canada House.
Our deepest condolences to The HOFFER Family, The Westlake Brothers Souvenir and ALL our Normandy Friends.
From The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Family.
You will not be forgotten our dear friend.

Brian Budden
QORA (Toronto Branch)
Health & Welfare Chairman


http://www.cbf-fccb.ca/orbituary-vice-president-france/
 
not meaning to hijack your thread but I thought a few here would appreciate hearing this sad news.
This from a Friend at the QOR Rifles in Toronto.

Afternoon ALL


It is with a heavy heart that our wonderful friend from Normandy Herve Hoffer passed away this morning. Owner of The Maison The Queen's Own Rifles. Now known as The Canada House.
Our deepest condolences to The HOFFER Family, The Westlake Brothers Souvenir and ALL our Normandy Friends.
From The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Family.
You will not be forgotten our dear friend.

Brian Budden
QORA (Toronto Branch)
Health & Welfare Chairman
Click to expand...

Godspeed Hervé Hoffer!

Interesting to say the least.

Every time on my visits, I always met the lady in the other half of the house.

Other articles written about Canada House said that the people on the other side of the Hoffer's had nothing to do with Canadian visitors.

I was always invited in by them with a full tour of their side of the house.

Sorry to say, but I never had the pleasure to meet Hervé Hoffer.

RIP

http://o.canada.com/news/national/maison-des-canadiens-still-marks-canadas-d-day-heroism
 
cigar_man said:
Just remember to anyone planing on the trip, WEATHER!

Make sure you bring the right clothing.

It could be dam cold or a decent temperature.

On average, it could possibly be +3c at night right up to a high of +13c in the day.

Buuuuttttt!
Click to expand...

My wife and I are prepping for our trip and clothing selection is a factor. There was snow and sleet on 9 April 1917, so you never know. Maybe global warming will kick in and save the day.;) We are in Europe for 5 weeks visiting 5 countries ending up in Italy where its going to be a lot warmer and we don't want to pack things that won't get used much. For sure we will take something warm for the day plus an umbrella. I'm not taking the full clag of blazer, tie, medals and shiny shoes for one day out of 35, so I think it will just be a beret, a poppy and a Vimy Pin for the ceremonies.

I don't know when DVA is going to email their passes for folks who have made reservations, but I've prompted them on this. People can't get into the ceremony w/o a DVA pass. As I read it there will be bus shuttles from the parking area to the monument and back. There are visit restrictions for a few days prior to the ceremony as well. We have a rental car out of Lille and will be staying in a B&B in Armentieres. There are many other places to take in, like a re-visit to Ypres and surrounding sites, Dunkirk, Bruges etc.
 
family history

That's a bit of history I never knew off...
I will share a bit of my family history on these two topics..
Frist my great grandfather run a small post office in a place called Rockport NB... from 1870 till his death in 1912..
than his wife.. my great grandmother ran it from 1912 till her death in 1918..
Than.. there son... my grand father ran the place from 1918 till it closed in 1939...
As well.. my Dad worked for Canada Post as well for I would say over 20 years.. till about 1988..
As for me... Iam a letter carrier here in Moncton NB and have been with the post office for over 25 years now..
Now for the Military side... lets say I fall a bit short on that topic... I spent about 2 years in air cadets..
Now my Moms Father was in WW 1 and not real sure off hand... but I think he may have been at Vimy.. where if iam right mustard gas was used on them..
When it comes to WW 2... my Dad and his three brothers all toke part in it...
 
Was on a tour in 2014. One week in Belgium, one week in France.

Ypres was our favourite city in Belgium.

Vimy Ridge was an awesome experience. Standing on the monument, overlooking the Douai plain, and comparing our own photos with actual photos of the time was eerie indeed.

Of particular interest to me was the visit to the Abbaye d'Ardenne where Kurt Meyer ordered the murder of 20 Canadian soldiers held as prisoners of war.

This event has kindled an interest in me to the extent that I have obtained some 20 books related to the murders. I even got an original transcript of the trial.

I hope to return to Europe on another tour if only to reinforce my findings and personal conclusions about the murders.

RIP the 20 and others murdered by the 12th SS Division "Hitler Jugend".
 
Rule 303 said:
Was on a tour in 2014. One week in Belgium, one week in France.

Ypres was our favourite city in Belgium.

Vimy Ridge was an awesome experience. Standing on the monument, overlooking the Douai plain, and comparing our own photos with actual photos of the time was eerie indeed.

Of particular interest to me was the visit to the Abbaye d'Ardenne where Kurt Meyer ordered the murder of 20 Canadian soldiers held as prisoners of war.

This event has kindled an interest in me to the extent that I have obtained some 20 books related to the murders. I even got an original transcript of the trial.

I hope to return to Europe on another tour if only to reinforce my findings and personal conclusions about the murders.

RIP the 20 and others murdered by the 12th SS Division "Hitler Jugend".
Click to expand...
Were they the ones killed because the Germans believe they were super human? Or something along those lines?
 
FYI registration to attend is closed. If you did not register you can not attend.
On a side note there should be shuttle available to those registered. From where to where has not been posted yet.
I will have a car with me and will be staying/leaving from Lens. If anybody is in the area and is registered that needs a lift. Please let me know and I will do my best to help
See you there
 
You guys have a great trip. I would love to have visited all the place you have visited cigar_man. It brings tears to my eyes.

Freedom has its price.
 
cigar_man said:
During this period over 1500 Post Office Dept. employees volunteered for the CEF. (Canadian Expeditionary Force)

These men consisted mainly from Postal Clerks and Letter Carriers.

The Post Office was the largest contributor of manpower from any single entity within Canada.
Click to expand...

Not looking to "call you out," and I'm not sure if you're suggesting 1,500 is the total number of Post Office employees that signed up in the 1914-16 period or for the entire war, but for the sake of historic integrity, I'd like to offer that more than 1,700 employees from the Canadian Bank of Commerce served in the First World War. 258 did not return home.

Over 11,000 employees of the Canadian Pacific Railway joined the military over the course of the war--almost 20% of their pre-war workforce (when they were Canada's largest employer). Approximately 10% of them (1,100 men) were killed or died on active service.
 
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I was there 6 years ago would love to go back.
Split a cab with a old guy and his grandson that were from Newfoundland back to Arras.
He quickly payed the cab driver and wouldnt accept any money from me and said, 'from one Countryman to another'
Brought the whole thing into perspective for me
 
Not looking to "call you out," and I'm not sure if you're suggesting 1,500 is the total number of Post Office employees that signed up in the 1914-16 period or for the entire war, but for the sake of historic integrity, I'd like to offer that more than 1,700 employees from the Canadian Bank of Commerce served in the First World War. 258 did not return home.

Over 11,000 employees of the Canadian Pacific Railway joined the military over the course of the war--almost 20% of their pre-war workforce (when they were Canada's largest employer). Approximately 10% of them (1,100 men) were killed or died on active service.
Click to expand...

I guess I should have made my posting more clear, I meant Federal Government entity.

I fixed it.

Thank you for pointing that out.

I tried to keep it as short as possible.

Yes, 1500+ was for the first two years 1914-16.

Total numbers where not as clear for 1917-18.

Interesting read.

https://archive.org/stream/civiliantwoyearswar00ottauoft#page/56/mode/2up

So many businesses and corporations contributed manpower from across Canada, in the end, they where all individuals signing up for the tour of their life.


In my own little way, since Canada Post delivers to everyone in Canada, I serve all Canadians.

As corny as it sounds, I will be laying that wreath on behalf of your average every day Canadian.



,,,,at the going down of the sun,

I will remember them.
 
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If your are attending the rule and regulations have been released
Also it's not posted yet but there will be a shuttle available from the following locations. Exact address have not been released
Vimy, Givenchy and Lens

Schedule of events
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remem...niversary/vimy-event-guide/schedule-of-events

Site Map
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remem...dge/100-anniversary/vimy-event-guide/eventmap

General Information

Registration

Pre-registration was required by February 17, 2017 for the commemorative event on April 9 at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

Please note: Attendees will need to provide a printed copy of their official e-ticket and government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, national photo I.D. card or driver’s license, on the day of the event. If you are not registered, you will be denied access to the ceremony.

Site access

From April 1 to 5, 2017, access will be restricted within some areas of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial site due to event preparations. The site will be closed to the public from April 6 to 9, 2017. Only those who have pre-registered and have their e-ticket and government-issued identification will be permitted to access the site for the April 9 ceremony.

On April 10, 2017, the new Visitor Education Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, along with access to the tunnels and trenches will open to the public. Please expect long line-ups. To welcome a larger number of visitors during the Vimy centennial period, visitor services at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial will be available from 9:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. on April 10 to April 12. Access to the area surrounding the monument may be restricted to allow for removal of equipment.

Shuttle bus service/parking

There will be no private vehicles permitted on-site April 9. A shuttle bus service will operate. You must park your vehicle in the designated parking areas.

On Sunday, April 9, the shuttle will run to the site from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The shuttle will then move people off the site after the ceremony, beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. For shuttle pick-up/drop-off locations, and shuttle hours call or visit the Canada Office - VIMY 100. More details on the shuttle bus service/parking will be posted as details are confirmed. Please check the website regularly. Pedestrians are permitted to access the site using authorized routes only. There will be some restrictions.

Seating

There will be limited seating available during the Commemorative Ceremony on April 9. Priority for seating will be reserved for Veterans and those with special needs. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial site is accessible to those with mobility impairments and is wheelchair accessible.

Restrictions at Vimy site

There are many areas of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial that are restricted to the public. These areas are marked by signs and barricades. For your safety, we ask that you respect these restrictions. As well, the following will not be permitted on-site during events: pets, glass bottles or dangerous objects (complete list of restricted items). Restricted items will be confiscated at the entrance.

After 100 years, the battlefields of France continue to give up munitions and other debris from the war. Please be aware that First World War munitions are dangerous and may still be “live” even 100 years later. If you do find something on the ground, please do not pick it up. Such items should only be handled by experts. Please make a note of where you found the item and advise one of the staff of its location.

What to wear/bring

April 9 will be a long, full day and you should plan accordingly. There will be limited sheltered areas. We recommend that you dress appropriately for the weather.

You may want to wear/ bring:
•clothes for cold, wet or windy weather (dress in layers);
•comfortable shoes;
•sunscreen; and
•daily medications.

Note: While concessions will be available, you may also want to bring food or snacks.

Wreaths

Regrettably, wreaths will not be permitted on the site on April 9.

Trenches/tunnels

The tunnels, trenches and Visitor Education Centre will not be accessible to the public on April 9.

Food concessions

There will be a limited variety of food and drinks available for purchase at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial site on April 9.

Restricted items/what not to bring

The following items will not be allowed on site April 9. Items will be confiscated at security.
•Plastic bottles (greater than 1 litre);
•Glass bottles
• Metal cans
•Insulated thermos
•Aerosols
•Alcoholic drinks/drugs
•Large bags (greater than 15 litres)
•Helmets
•Laptops
•Cameras (with a zoom greater than 10 cm)
•Video recorders (greater than 10 cm)
•Drones
•Horns/Megaphones
•Flags/Banners/leaflets/Posters
•Drums
•Confetti
•Sharp or pointed objects
•Tools
•Batteries
•Steel toe capped boots
•Pyrotechnics
•Flammable and explosive substances
•Weapons of any kind
•Pets

Cell phones

Please note that cell phones may not work at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial site due to limited cell phone reception.

Emergencies/medical services

In case of emergency, medical, fire and police services will be available on-site during all events. Should you require assistance, please advise one of the staff on-site or consult the site map in this guide for the “Medical tents” location. In order to best assist you in the event of an emergency, it is recommended that you keep a list of your medications with you.

For emergency consular assistance, Canadians in France can call the Embassy of Canada in Paris at 01 44 43 29 02 and follow the instructions, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613 996-8885, or visit Request emergency assistance (travel.gc.ca).

Travel advice

For information about travelling to France, please visit Global Affairs Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page for France.
 
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