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Vimy Ridge History

Decent Essays

The 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge is an important part of Canada 150 celebrations and a defining event in the history of our nation. Although Confederation occurred 50 years earlier, it has been said that in 1917, Canada was transformed from colony to nation on the slopes of Vimy Ridge. Less well recognized is the important service of Canada’s legal professionals in that part of our history. This year will be different.

In April, Canadians will commemorate the uncommon service and sacrifice of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who left their families and occupations to serve in WWI generally and at Vimy in particular. For the first time, in recognition of the remarkable service and leadership of Canada’s legal professionals, the Chief Justice of Canada and the Judge Advocate General of Canada are invited to participate formally in the Vimy commemoration at the national cenotaph in Ottawa. This recognition has been well earned.

The most senior Canadian military officer ever to die in combat is Malcolm Mercer, a lawyer …show more content…

Charles Holland Locke, a lawyer from Winnipeg, Manitoba, served as a Captain in the artillery at Vimy Ridge. Perhaps as significant as their service in war is the leadership these great Canadians provided to the profession and to the country when they returned home. After the war, Locke returned to practice law in British Columbia and in 1947, was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. Service and leadership are inter-generational principles. Mr. Justice Locke’s son, Charles Conrad Locke became a lawyer in British Columbia. Locke the younger served as an artillery officer in WWII and went on to become a Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and later, a Justice of the Court of Appeal of British Columbia. Charles Conrad Clarke also served as President of the British Columbia Law Society and President of the Federation of Law Societies of

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