In memory of the men
of this district
who gave their lives
in the Great War
1914 - 1918
——— • ———
W.I. Apps • James Arden • H.H. Bedford • V. Cleaves • G.J. Coward • G.C. Cruse • Dean Arnold • H.A. . . . — — Map (db m75480) WM
During the First World War, Victoria was unprepared to fend off air attacks. In 1921, the 2nd AA (Anti-Aircraft) battery was formed in Victoria. No AA guns existed in Canada, so the unit made do with 13-pounder guns on a locally improvised . . . — — Map (db m98996) HM
This building was constructed in about 1900 to served as a canteen where the off-duty soldier could make purchases from a limited stock, drink beer and relax.
The building was used as a canteen during summer training periods at Fort Rodd . . . — — Map (db m98860) HM
The harbours at Victoria and Esquimalt, and the adjacent coastline were defended by temporary gun emplacements from 1878. International crises during the latter part of the century led to an agreement between the Canadian and British governments . . . — — Map (db m75210) HM
Defence Electric Lights on both sides of Esquimalt Harbour entrance were used to illuminate targets for the guns at night. Engine rooms generated power for the lights. Lights and engines were controlled from this Defence Electric Light . . . — — Map (db m99440) HM
This wall protected the battery from attack from the rear. It was both a protected position for riflemen and an obstacle. Barbed wire entanglements and natural cliff faces provided additional defence along the remainder of the battery . . . — — Map (db m99395) HM
One 6-inch gun on a disappearing carriage was mounted in this emplacement. The wall and sunken emplacement helped to conceal and protect the gun and crew from enemy bombardment. The concrete apron and earth glacis extending away from the top of . . . — — Map (db m76336) HM
Q: How do you move a 28-ton gun barrel up a hill?
A: With great difficulty, and a "gun drug."
The heavyweight of Canadian artillery was the 9.2-inch gun. The barrel was 27 feet (11.2 metres) long and weighed 28 tons (this mock-up barrel is a . . . — — Map (db m99419) HM
Operating Lower Battery during an alert required discipline, precise timing and constant attention to safety.
Take Post Command
Procedure
#1. Enemy Vessel Sighted
#2. Battery Take Post Command Issued
#3. Gun Fire Opened
#4. . . . — — Map (db m99233) HM
The first Royal Navy warship dropped anchor in Esquimalt Harbour in 1848. Since then, the harbour has witnessed a fascinating evolution of naval power. Though global politics and weapons systems may change, Esquimalt remains a major strategic . . . — — Map (db m99461) HM
When the Second World War began in 1939, tents were used to accommodate the sudden influx of troops. They were quickly replaced by temporary wooden huts of this type. This building is the only example that has survived in place. It was an . . . — — Map (db m99359) HM
The ten-man gun crew and ammunition detachment worked closely together to ensure safe and precise loading and firing of the 6-inch guns. They followed a sequence when in action:
1) Gun crew and ammunition detachment alerted and take post at . . . — — Map (db m99058) HM
This structure was designed to accommodate the guard when the battery was fully manned.
Consisting of three or four soldiers commanded by a non-commissioned officer, the guard provided sentries to control the gate and patrol the battery . . . — — Map (db m75775) HM
This viewpoint illustrates the commanding position required for a coast defence gun battery. The trees in front were topped when the emplacement was in use.
A total of 27 locations were occupied by the coast defences between 1878 and 1956. . . . — — Map (db m99460) HM
Excavated from solid rock, this underground magazine provided a secure and dry storage area for ammunition.
The shells were wheeled to the guns. The cartridges were carried up the passageways and passed through the issue hatches. Strict . . . — — Map (db m99057) HM
A coast artillery battery consists of one or more gun emplacements and supporting structures and equipment. Its role was defensive; to prevent attack by enemy warships through the use of artillery.
The layout of Upper Battery is typical of . . . — — Map (db m75248) HM
These batteries were constructed at Fort Rodd Hill between 1895 and 1900, as part of the defences of Esquimalt Harbour.
Upper and Lower Batteries, with their three large 6 inch guns, were designed to counter bombard enemy warships. Belmont . . . — — Map (db m75216) HM
This building was constructed in 1897. It was built of brick to British Royal Engineer specifications and during its life it was subjected to several modifications.
Originally it was to accommodate a Master Gunner and his family, but a . . . — — Map (db m99253) HM
The Fifth Regiment of Garrison Artillery marches down Government Street in December 1915 on their way to the Inner Harbour, where they boarded a steamer to Vancouver. They would join other Canadian troops fighting in Europe in World War I. The tall . . . — — Map (db m49153) HM
“They died the noblest death a man may die, fighting for god, and right and liberty, and such a death is immortality.”
Korea
1950 – 1953
[On the back]
In Recognition of the Services of the Canadian Forces and Canadian . . . — — Map (db m48933) WM
[English] It was not my intention to have passed any great time at Field, yet I was detained there by the force of its attraction… the views from Field are fine and the excursions that can be made in the neighbourhood are . . . — — Map (db m203582) HM
In this wilderness of rugged mountains, ore was first found in the late 1880's. Further prospects led to the building of a large smelter by the B.C. Copper Co. From 1901, copper, gold and silver poured from its furnaces. Fed by the great Motherlode . . . — — Map (db m187998) HM
