Victoria’s Bay Street Armoury is one of the city’s many historic buildings, and it will soon be renamed in honour of General Sir Arthur Currie.
Many consider Currie to be one of Canada’s greatest wartime generals as he helped to define the country’s role in the First World War.
Currie lived most of his life in BC and worked as a soldier and educator throughout his lifetime. He lived from 1875 to 1933, dying at age 58.
Currie began his career-life as a schoolteacher in Sidney and Victoria before becoming a real estate developer and insurance salesman.
“In those days, joining the local militia was an excellent way to expand social and business connections,” wrote a spokesperson for the 5th BC Field Artillery Regiment in a media release.
“After joining up he became fascinated by military culture and planning. With the 5th (BC) Garrison Artillery, he quickly distinguished himself with a remarkable capacity to think clearly, learn rapidly, and lead by example.”
Currie had no formal military academy training, but rose through the ranks despite this, through merit, intelligence and determination.
He then shifted his focus to recruiting soldiers for the First World War in the time leading up to the conflict, and would soon become commander of over 100,000 troops in 1917.
“Under his leadership, Canadian forces earned a reputation as one of the most effective and respected formations on the Western Front.”
Currie played a central role in both the battle for Vimy Ridge and the ‘Hundred Days Offensive’ in 1918.
After the war, Currie became principal and vice-chancellor of McGill University and remained a respected public voice for national service for the rest of his days.
“In renaming the Bay Street Armoury, we honour a local son who rose to become one of the most respected military leaders of his time,” continued the release.
“But we also honour what he stood for: thoughtful leadership, responsibility in command, and the belief that Canada could and should define its own destiny.”
The building which is to be renamed is a federally recognized heritage building that was completed in 1915.
It was initially built during Canada’s militia building campaign, lasting from 1896 to 1918. During this time, over 100 drill halls and armouries were erected across the country.
The soon-to-be General Sir Arthur Currie Armoury renaming ceremony will take place on what would be Currie’s 150th birthday, Friday, December 5th.
