Royal Montreal Regiment Museum Presents 'The Sacrifice at Ypres, the Story of French-Canadian Soldiers of the RMR in World War One'

New temporary exhibit commemorates Remembrance Day with focus on francophone companies of the RMR and their heroic contribution to the second Battle of Ypres *** Exhibit to be held November 4 – 15 at Major-General Charles Basil Price Armoury ***

MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2026 — The Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) Museum, an institution dedicated to the preservation of the rich military and cultural heritage of the RMR, presents 'The Sacrifice at Ypres, the Story of French-Canadian Soldiers of the RMR in World War One', an examination of the two francophone companies of the RMR and their heroic contribution to this important strategic victory for the Allies.

The Battle of Ypres was fought from April 22 to May 25, 1915, in Flanders, Belgium. It was a defining moment in Canadian military history because it marked the first major engagement of Canadian troops in WWI. It also established the Canadians as a formidable fighting force. Early in the battle, German forces used lethal chlorine gas for the first time on the Western Front. Lacking gas masks, soldiers survived by breathing through soaked, muddy and urine-drenched handkerchiefs to neutralize the chlorine. In the first 48 hours of combat, the Canadians suffered more that 2,000 fatalities. The tragic loss of life inspired Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae to write "In Flanders Fields", perhaps the most poignant war poem of the 20th century.

"This Remembrance Day, we look back 111 years to an infamous battle and the role played by soldiers from our Regiment," says Colin Robinson, Former Commanding Officer, RMR. "The idea of bilingualism in the Canadian Armed Forces seems self-evident today but in WWI it was very progressive. In fact, the RMR is the first bilingual unit in Canadian military history."

"In this exhibit, we focus on G and H companies, which were identified as French-Canadian at the time. We also touch upon subjects including trench warfare, PTSD, desertion, managing disabilities and post-war reintegration into Canadian society. Through personal stories, letters and photos, the exhibit aims to humanize the young men who fought bravely for Canada. We honour their legacy and reflect on how ordinary Canadians achieved the extraordinary. We invite citizens, educators and students to visit us. Lest we forget," concludes Colin Robinson.

'The Sacrifice at Ypres, the Story of French-Canadian Soldiers of the RMR in World War One'

• November 4 – 15, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Major-General Charles Basil Price Armoury, 4625 Ste-Catherine W.
• Open to the public / free admission
• Schools and group visits welcome. Please contact [email protected]

Media Contact

Mark Lowe, RMR Foundation, 1 (514) 576-2519, [email protected], https://royalmontrealregiment.com

SOURCE RMR Foundation