british army

13 articles

Nov24

2004What is considered the most significant memorial dedicated to animals that died in wars and conflicts?

The Animals in War Memorial, located at Brook Gate, Park Lane outside Hyde Park in London, stands as the world's most significant tribute to animals that served and died in wars and conflicts. Unveiled on 24 November 2004—the 90th anniversary of the start of the First World War—this striking memorial was designed by David Backhouse and inspired by Jilly Cooper’s influential book, "Animals in War." The monument’s 70-foot Portland stone wall, adorned with carvings of diverse animals, is accompanied by lifelike bronze statues of mules, a horse, and a dog, symbolizing both sacrifice and hope. Today, it remains a poignant reminder of the millions of animals who served without choice and has set the precedent for similar memorials worldwide.

Aug15

1942What is the significance of the Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia to the Australians and British?

Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia stands on the site where over 2,700 Australian and British prisoners of war were held by Japanese forces during World War II. The park marks the site of the infamous Sandakan Death Marches, in which almost all of the POWs died from starvation, disease, or execution during forced treks through the jungle in 1945. Of the thousands brought to Sandakan, only six survived these brutal marches, a fact that underscores the scale of suffering commemorated by the memorial established in 2011. Today, visitors can pause for reflection in the peaceful park, where the black commemorative stele stands as a solemn reminder of these atrocities and the enduring bond between nations forged in sacrifice.

Jul24

1927What is the 'first collective memorial' erected along the former Great War front in France and Belgium

The Menin Gate Memorial in Ieper, Belgium, stands as the first collective memorial erected along the former Great War front in France and Belgium, designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield for the Imperial War Graves Commission. Unveiled on 24 July 1927 by Field Marshal Lord Plumer, this imposing triumphal arch honors the roughly 90,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who have no known grave, with the names of 54,897 casualties—including 7,000 Canadians—engraved across its panels. Its enduring legacy is kept alive each evening at 8 p.m. through the moving Last Post Ceremony, performed by local buglers since 1928, making it one of the most visited and continuously commemorated memorials on the Western Front. In 2015, the memorial marked a remarkable milestone with the 30,000th sounding of the Last Post, a testament to the lasting power of remembrance.

Apr14

1917What is the significance of the Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial?

The Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial, situated on the eastern edge of the French village of Monchy-le-Preux, honors the extraordinary bravery of the Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. On April 14, 1917, just ten Newfoundlanders held off massive German counter-attacks for four critical hours, preventing the loss of a vital position in Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig's spring offensive. The caribou monument, chosen for its placement by the Regiment, stands atop the ruins of a German strongpoint, gazing toward Infantry Hill where this legendary stand occurred. Remarkably, a British general later credited these ten men with saving up to 40,000 Allied lives, underscoring the unique and lasting significance of their actions.

Sep15

1916Which monument in France is dedicated to all the men from the Tank Corps who fell during the Great War?

The Tank Corps Monument at Pozières, France, stands as a tribute to all the men of the British Tank Corps who fell during the Great War. Unveiled on 22 July 1922 by Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Morland, this memorial marks the site where tanks were first used in combat during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette on 15 September 1916, forever changing the nature of warfare. The monument features four scale models of original tanks and is uniquely enclosed by a fence made of genuine tank gun barrels and driving chains, a nod to both the technological innovation and the sacrifice of those who served. Today, it continues to draw visitors eager to reflect on its history and the dramatic impact of armored vehicles in World War I.

Jul4

1916What is Mount Edith Cavell?

Mount Edith Cavell is a striking 3,363-metre peak in the Athabasca and Astoria River valleys of Jasper National Park, Alberta, named in honour of the English nurse and First World War heroine Edith Cavell. Cavell was executed by German forces in October 1915 for her role in aiding over 200 Allied soldiers to escape from occupied Belgium, an act that made her an enduring symbol of courage and humanitarianism. Remarkably, Canada was among the first to memorialize her internationally, designating the mountain with her name on 4 July 1916, less than a year after her death. Today, 108 years later, Mount Edith Cavell stands as both a natural wonder and a poignant tribute, as Canada prepares for the 110th anniversary of her sacrifice.

Jul17

1860What is considered the only Crimean War monument in North America?

The Welsford-Parker Monument, standing at the entrance of Halifax’s Old Burying Ground, is the only Crimean War memorial known in North America. Erected in 1860, it commemorates two Nova Scotian officers, Major Augustus Frederick Welsford and Captain William Buck Carthew Augustus Parker, who died in the fierce Battle of the Great Redan during the Siege of Sevastopol. The imposing free-stone arch, crowned by a (somewhat diminutive) British lion, features the names of six key Crimean battles and was funded by public subscription and a government grant. In 2025, the monument marks its 165th anniversary, still serving as a poignant tribute to Halifax’s role in this distant war and the sacrifice of its fallen sons.

Jan9

1856Which of the 182 recipients that were awarded the Victoria Cross for their gallantry during the Indian Mutiny of 1857 is buried in Toronto, Ontario?

Private Denis Dempsey, a Victoria Cross recipient for his extraordinary bravery during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, is buried at Saint Michael's Cemetery in Toronto, Ontario. His fearless actions—carrying a powder bag through a burning village under heavy enemy fire at Lucknow and being the first to enter Jugdispore during intense conflict—earned him the Empire’s highest military honor. Born in County Wicklow, Ireland, Dempsey's military career spanned postings in India, South Africa, Japan, and beyond before he settled in Toronto, where he died in 1886 from congestive pneumonia. The 140th anniversary of his death in 2026 is a poignant reminder of both his legacy and the enduring ties between Canada, Ireland, and the history of British military service.

Jul15

1818What is the oldest community within the current City of Ottawa, Ontario?

Richmond Village, located in the southwest corner of Ottawa, is the city’s oldest community and traces its origins to a military settlement established in 1818. Founded by veterans of the 99th Regiment under the direction of British officials, Richmond was designed as a stronghold in the wake of the War of 1812 and named after the Duke of Richmond. A unique landmark commemorating its military roots, a heritage plaque was installed in 1962—one of nearly 1,300 Ontario Heritage Trust markers across the province. In 2018, the village celebrated its 200th anniversary with a vibrant mural depicting key figures, the Jock River, and its proud history, bringing Richmond’s story vividly to life for new generations.

Jun18

1815Who chose the moniker for the 'Battle of Waterloo' in 1815?

The famous name "Battle of Waterloo" was chosen by the Duke of Wellington, who penned his victory report at his Waterloo headquarters after the pivotal clash on June 18, 1815, near present-day Belgium. Despite the fighting occurring largely in Braine-l'Alleud and Plancenoit, and other armies naming the battle differently, Wellington's title prevailed in history. A remarkable survivor of the brutal conflict, James Quinn of the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot, later emigrated to Prince Edward Island, Canada—one of only 261 men of his 747-strong regiment to march away unwounded, following a staggering 64% casualty rate. This anniversary not only remembers one of Europe’s deadliest days, but also commemorates the monumental lion memorial erected by King William I, completed nearly two centuries ago, which still marks the site today.

Jul4

1799What is one of the oldest war memorials in the United States of America?

The Lexington Battle Green in Massachusetts is home to one of the oldest war memorials in the United States. Erected on July 4, 1799, this monument commemorates the local Minutemen who fell during the Battle of Lexington, the first clash of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. In 1835, the remains of the eight patriots were moved from their common grave to rest beneath this pyramidal monument, making it a poignant and enduring symbol of American sacrifice. As of July 4, 2026, the memorial will have stood for 228 years, inspiring generations to remember the price of independence.

Sep3

1781Who is recognized as the first Colonel of the U.S. Army and was taken prisoner in Canada during the American Revolution?

Brigadier General William Thompson, born in County Meath, Ireland and later a resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the first Colonel commissioned by the Continental Congress for the "army of the United Colonies"—the forerunner of the U.S. Army. Thompson’s military service during the American Revolution was marked by both valor and misfortune; after leading troops at the Battle of Trois-Rivières in Québec on June 8, 1776, he was captured and spent four years as a prisoner of war. His legacy endures through memorials in Carlisle, New York City, and Trois-Rivières, and a striking Celtic cross and commemorative granite slab at his gravesite honor his unique history as both a celebrated officer and a long-imprisoned war hero. On September 3, 2025, his life and legacy will be remembered on the 244th anniversary of his death—more than 250 years after his groundbreaking commission.

Apr19

1775What was the "shot heard round the world"?

The phrase "shot heard round the world" famously comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s "Concord Hymn," commemorating the events at Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775, where the first American victory of the Revolutionary War took place. Although the day's initial shots rang out earlier in Lexington, it was at Concord’s North Bridge that colonial militiamen first returned British fire, signaling a turning point in the fight for independence. This conflict has inspired monuments such as the North Bridge obelisk dedicated in 1837 and Daniel Chester French’s iconic "Minute Man" statue, unveiled a century later in 1875 from melted Civil War cannons. Today, the legacy of these pivotal moments is celebrated each April during Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day festivities, honoring both the struggle and the stories that shaped a nation.