british columbia

5 articles

Mar14

1938Who is the oldest sailor in any Allied Navies during the First World War?

Petty Officer James Dupen, originally from Bethnal Green, London, holds the remarkable distinction of being the oldest sailor to serve in any Allied Navy during the First World War, representing both the Royal British Navy and the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve. His story is significant as it spans over half a century of naval service, including a rare royal warrant granted by the Prince of Wales and notable encounters with three generations of British royalty. At the age of 68, Dupen re-enlisted during the war in Esquimalt, British Columbia, outpacing the next oldest Allied sailor by four years, and proudly displayed his royal warrant badge for nearly five decades. As of March 2026, it has been 88 years since his passing and more than 157 years since he first joined the Royal Navy, with efforts underway to finally mark his resting place at Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria, British Columbia.

Apr10

1915Who was the first Canadian woman to be decorated for gallantry during the Second World War and was the first living Canadian to have a ship named after her?

Lieutenant Commander Margaret Martha Brooke, born in Ardath, Saskatchewan, became the first Canadian woman to be decorated for gallantry during the Second World War. Her courageous attempt to save a fellow Nursing Sister after the sinking of the SS Caribou off the coast of Newfoundland in 1942 earned her the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire. In a historic tribute, HMCS Margaret Brooke was launched in 2019, making her the first living Canadian to have a naval ship named in her honour. Brooke’s legacy combines both extraordinary wartime heroism and remarkable academic achievement, as she also received a Ph.D. in biostratigraphy following her naval service.

Dec13

1871Who is considered British Columbia's most famous artist?

Along the harbourfront in Victoria, British Columbia, stands a statue honouring Emily Carr, the province’s most renowned artist and writer. Celebrated for her groundbreaking depictions of Indigenous culture and the forests of British Columbia, Carr struggled for recognition during her lifetime but is now revered across Canada. The 1.25 lifesize bronze was unveiled in 2010 on the grounds of the Fairmont Empress Hotel, showing Carr seated with her beloved monkey Woo and dog Billie, just steps from her childhood home. Over $400,000 was raised for this unique monument, which invites visitors to connect with both Carr’s remarkable legacy and Victoria’s cultural history.

May19

1867Why do Canadians observe Victoria Day?

Canadians observe Victoria Day each May in honor of Queen Victoria, whose birthday on May 24th became a national holiday in 1845. The celebration recognizes her pivotal role in approving the formation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867, shaping the nation’s identity. One of the country's earliest tributes, the Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, was unveiled on her birthday in 1906, funded in part by thousands of schoolchildren who sold black-edged memorial cards after the Queen’s death. Today, Victoria Day uniquely commemorates both Queen Victoria and the reigning sovereign, marking it as a dual celebration of history and monarchy across Canada.

Mar29

1778Who is reputedly the first European to set foot in British Columbia, Canada?

Captain James Cook, the famed British explorer and navigator, became the first known European to set foot in what is now British Columbia when he anchored at Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island on 29 March 1778. His arrival marked a significant turning point in the region’s history, initiating direct contact between European explorers and the Indigenous peoples who had called the Pacific coast home for thousands of years. Cook’s visit is particularly notable because, despite prior Spanish voyages, he was the first to accurately map the northwest coastline and interact extensively with local First Nations communities. On the 248th anniversary of this event, Cook’s legacy is both commemorated and critically examined, especially in light of recent actions highlighting the enduring impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.