Norm Christie outlines the history of the development of the Canadian Corps from the early days in 1915-16 as inexperienced Colonials, to 1917-18 when they became the most effective fighting force on the Western Front. It started with Canada’s most famous battle at Vimy Ridge, when, against all odds, they captured the strongest German position on the Western Front. Who was responsible for these developments? How did they come about? How did this incredible transformation happen? Norm explains the players and their personalities that made it happen and how their success and confidence brought about changes that made the Canadians completely different to the British and Australian Armies. And how, after all their sacrifices and accomplishments, were they forgotten?

Norm Christie, a metallurgical engineer by trade, was Chief Records Officer of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the UK, and their Administration Officer in Arras, France for five years. He has been taking tours to European battlefields for more than 20 years. Norm is recognized as Canada’s No.1 expert on the battlefields and cemeteries of the two World Wars. Recent publications include the three volume series Sacred Places (Canadian Cemeteries of the Great War), For Our Old Comrades (The Story of the Vimy Pilgrimage), and the 6 hour TV series, The Great War Tour with Norm Christie (TVO & Knowledge Network).

Admission free. Refreshments follow each lecture.