Name/Title
Thanksgiving ServiceEntry/Object ID
2016.72.247Scope and Content
A leaflet containing the service sheet for a Canadian Thanksgiving service for the Canadian Corps to mark the conclusion of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
This service sheet was used at the services held on Sunday, May 13, 1917 for each of the three brigades in the First Canadian Division. The Senior Padre of the Division, Canon Frederick G. Scott, wrote in his book "THE GREAT WAR AS I SAW IT" the following passage:
"It was proposed that we should have a thanksgiving service for victory with each brigade. The Senior Chaplain of the Corps took the matter in hand with the Senior Chaplain of the Army. A form of service was printed on slips of paper, and on Sunday, May 13th, we had services for the three infantry brigades. It was a lovely warm day, and the services were held at the most convenient points. The 2nd Brigade were assembled at Ruitz. It was a splendid sight. The 5th, 7th, 8th and 10th Battalions were drawn up in a great square, generals and staff officers were present; a band played the hymns and the army chaplain gave us a most stirring address. The next service was with the 1st Brigade in a field near Coupigny, where the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions were drawn up, making a magnificent show of young, ardent and stalwart manhood. The moment it was over the general and staff were motored over to the 3rd Brigade at Château-de-la-Haie. Here were assembled the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Battalions. General Horne attended this Service, and, after the religious ceremony was over, gave an address. His admiration for the achievement of our men was evidently sincere, and he always showed the deepest interest in everything connected with the welfare of the Canadians."
Although the leaflet shows the date of April 9th, the Battle only started on that date, lasted 4 days, and ended on April 12th 1917. In military operations you can predict when things will commence, but you can never know with certainty when they will end.Archive Details
Date(s) of Creation
May 13, 1917Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Poole, George