It has stood for more than a century in testament to Victoria’s proud military history, but now the Bay Street Armoury will take on the name of a military figure whose history stretches back even further. The iconic building at 715 Bay St. will be renamed the General Sir Arthur Currie Armoury at a ceremony on Friday (Dec. 5). The date also marks the 150th anniversary of Currie’s birth (1875–1933), whose leadership helped define Canada’s role in the First World War. “Currie was born near Strathroy, Ont. and moved to Victoria in 1894. He was not a career military officer by upbringing or profession. He began his working life as a schoolteacher in Sidney and Victoria and went on to be a real estate developer and insurance salesman,” according to a release from the 5th (BC) Field Artillery Foundation. He rose through the ranks, and just before the First World War, Currie gave up his artillery command and was appointed commander of the 50th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders of Canada). “During the Great War, Currie served first as a brigade and then as a divisional commander, demonstrating a consistent commitment to strategic preparation and the careful protection of the lives of his soldiers. In 1917, he became the first Canadian-born officer to command the 100,000-strong Canadian Corps, leading it through some of the most significant operations of the war. Under his leadership, Canadian forces earned a reputation as one of the most effective and respected formations on the Western Front,” said the release. “Currie’s meticulous planning and insistence on realistic training played a central role in the Canadian success at Vimy Ridge, a battle that has come to symbolize Canada’s emergence as a nation. His leadership during the Hundred Days Offensive in 1918 helped bring the war to its conclusion, with the Canadian Corps often assigned the most difficult and strategically vital objectives.” After the war, Currie went on to serve as principal and vice-chancellor of McGill University. “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. 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,” states the 5th (BC) Field Artillery Foundation. The Bay Street Armoury was built in 1912-1914 and is a recognized federal heritage building because of its historical associations and its architectural and environmental value. “The Bay Street Armoury is a large structure whose form and detailing conjure up the images of a fortress through the incorporation of towers, crenellated turrets and a low wide arched entrance, reminiscent of a fortified gate,” according to the Parks Canada federal heritage designation. “The Bay Street Armoury is a very good example of an armoury designed in the Tudor Revival style with references to medieval military architecture.” Friday’s commemorative celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature military displays by the 5th (BC) Field Regiment RCA and The Canadian Scottish Regiment. At about 12:30 p.m., there will be a birthday tribute reception to Sir Arthur Currie by unveiling a plaque to rename the armoury in his honour and a ceremonial cake cutting with Alan Lowe and John Ducker, honorary colonels of The Canadian Scottish Regiment and 5th (BC) Field Regiment RCA. The free event will also feature displays by Valour Canada, Ashton Armoury, BC Aviation Museum, District of Saanich Archives, Victoria Esquimalt Re-enactors Society, Royal Canadian Legion, Sidney Museum and Archives, Fort Rodd Hill Historic Site, Friends of Macaulay, Municipality of Esquimalt Archives, District of Oak Bay Archives, Vimy Memorial Photo Display, Craigdarroch Castle and the Canadian Scottish Women’s Auxiliary Concession.
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