VIMY RIDGE MEMORIAL

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 207, 29 May 1936, Page 11

VIMY RIDGE MEMORIAL

King Edward to Perform Unveiling FULFILMENT OF PROMISE (British Official Wireless.) (Received May 28, 5.5 p.m.) Rugby, May 27. In accordance with a promise made while he was Prince of Wales, King Edward, at the Invitation of the Canadian Government, will unveil on July 26 the memorial on Vimy Ridge to Canadians who fell in the Great War At the King’s own desire this announcement was made by the Canadian Prime Minister, Air. Mackenzie King, at Ottawa. It will be the first time a King of England has left his own country for several years. His visit to France for the ceremony will be only of short duration. and it is possible that he may proceed by air. The memorial is dedicated to 12,000 Canadians who fell in the war, but who have no known graves. Their names are engraved around the base of the memorial. Tins measures 237 feet long, with two main pylons each 138 feet high. The structure weighs 30,000 tons. It stands on Vimy Ridge, the capture of which was achieved by Canadian forces, in 240 acres of ground which the French Government has presented to Canada. This area has been cleared and planted with trees, which gives the memorial a beautiful setting At night, time it will be floodlit.

The President and many other distinguished Frenchmen will meet there for the ceremony, and several thousands of Canadian ex-servicemen are to cross the Atlantic to be present at the unveiling.