Gala to commemorate WWI battle of Hill 70
A historical event that is lesserknown than the capture of Vimy Ridge by Canadian troops in the First World War, but perhaps equally important, will be commemorated during a gala event coming to the Peterborough Armoury this April.
Organizers of the Battle of Hill 70 Gala point out that there is nothing in Loos-en- Gohelle, where the capture took place in August 1917, to commemorate the historic victory. Six Victoria Cross’ we awarded at Hill 70, while four were awarded at Vimy Ridge.
The Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment from Kingston has stepped forward to change this during this special anniversary year and the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment have promised to assist the endeavour, organizers stated.
The gala, which will be attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell, has a goal of raising $25,000 towards a campaign to erect a suitable monument in France.
Funds raised in excess of what is needed for the monument will be set aside for the future needs of present and former Hasting and Prince Edward Regiment members through its trust fund, organizers stated in a press release.
The guest speaker for the evening will be Craig Leslie Mantle, who brings an extensive background in teaching and military history.
He specializes in post-1945 history and has conducted more than 30 oral history interviews with veterans of recent conflicts and was instrumental in adding a number of important artifacts to the national collection, organizers stated.
Mantle’s most recent book, In Their Own Words: Canadian Stories of Valour and Bravery from Afghanistan 2001-2007, was published in 2013. It offers the firstperson reflections of 23 Canadian soldiers who were recognized for their actions overseas with some of the nation’s highest honours.
The gala takes place April 7 starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $150 per person and are available by emailing battleofhill70gala@gmail.com or calling 705-745-0647. A wall of names, the simple Canadian war memorial at Vimy Ridge overlooking the French towns of Lens and Lille it commemorates the 1917 battle for Hill 70 in the First World War. There are 11,500 names inscribed in the memorial base. The 100th anniversary of the battle will be marked April 7 at a gala at the Peterborough Armoury.