south african war

3 articles

Sep13

2014What are 'Flags of Remembrance'?

Flags of Remembrance is a national tribute launched in 2014 by Al Cameron and Veterans Voices of Canada to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Military Police, and First Responders. Each fall, 128 Canadian flags line the roads in communities such as Sylvan Lake, Dunnville, and Charlottetown, with every flag representing one thousand Canadian war dead or missing in action from the South African War to today, as well as fallen RCMP officers. Unique plaques beneath each flag individually recognize veterans, both past and present, and serve as personal tributes from families and friends. Celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2025, this powerful display not only preserves Canada’s military heritage but also supports ongoing efforts to document veterans’ stories for future generations.

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.

Jan1

1862Who was named the first matron of the Canadian Army Medical Corps and was also Canada's first recipient of the Royal Red Cross?

Georgina Fane Pope, born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, became the first matron of the Canadian Army Medical Corps and the first Canadian to receive the prestigious Royal Red Cross. Renowned as "Canada’s Florence Nightingale," she led military nurses in the South African War and later played a pivotal role in training over 3,100 nurses for service during the First World War. In 1903, Pope’s exceptional bravery and leadership were recognized as she became the first Canadian decorated with the Royal Red Cross, established by Queen Victoria. Her enduring legacy is celebrated in monuments, museum exhibits, and even a commemorative coin marking her 150th birthday.