100 Years Ago Today Brockville Cenotaph was Unveiled

Brockville – It has been 100 years since the Brockville Cenotaph war memorial was unveiled on May 23, 1924.

The Brockville Cenotaph was constructed in memory of the men of Brockville, who gave their lives for King and Country in the First World War, and in grateful remembrance of those who shared its danger.

The Great War Memorial was erected under the leadership of Mayor W.B. Reynolds and spearheaded by Alderman N.G. Sommerville and stands as a significant tribute to Canadian soldiers. The monument, located at the foot of Court House Avenue and King Street, is a commanding presence at 22.5 feet tall and weighs 100 tons.

The war memorial commemorates the bravery and service of the town’s men in various significant battles. On the East side of the memorial, the battles listed are Passchendaele, Amiens, Arras, and Cambrai. On the West side, the battles of Ypres, Sanctuary Wood, Courcelette, and Vimy Ridge are honoured. These inscriptions highlight the critical engagements in which Brockville’s soldiers participated during World War I.

In later years, the monument was updated to include the dates 1939-1945, representing World War II, and Korea 1950-1953, extending the commemoration to soldiers who served in these subsequent conflicts.

The bronze statue of the advancing Canadian soldier, the memorial’s centrepiece, was sculpted by Nicholas Pirotton, a Belgian artist who emigrated to Canada. The statue was cast by the Allis Chalmers Company of Toronto, a firm known for its metalwork. It is believed that it was the actions of Brockville’s Thain MacDowell at the Battle of Vimy Ridge that inspired the pose of this otherwise generic soldier.

The construction and erection of the entire memorial were undertaken by the McIntosh Granite Company, also based in Toronto. This collaborative effort resulted in a lasting tribute that not only honours the fallen but also showcases the craftsmanship of its creators.

The unveiling of the monument was held on Friday, May 23, 1924, with a large number of veterans and citizens present. The unveiling was performed by the Right Honorable George P. Graham, who was, at that time, the Minister of Railroads and Canals of Canada. Member of Parliament, Mr. H.A. Stewart, congratulated the Town Council, the Committee and the people of Brockville for completing the memorial, and reminded people of what it stood for.

The memorial was dedicated by the Chaplain of the Brockville Rifles, Honorary Captain A.F.C. Whalley. In the parade, were the Brockville Rifles and The Royal Canadian Army Cadets from Brockville Collegiate. Also present were students from all the public schools. The Brockville Rifles performed a Three Valley Salute and the bugler sounded the Last Post.