Marking 100 Years of Service to Canada

On July 25, 2025, the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (Commissionaires) celebrates its 100th anniversary. To mark this milestone, the Canadian War Museum recently unveiled a new display in Commissionaires Way, the corridor connecting the Museum’s main exhibitions to the LeBreton Gallery. This display highlights the organization’s century-long history and its significant contributions to Canada.

Founded in Montréal in 1925, Commissionaires was established to provide meaningful employment to veterans. Over the past century, the not-for-profit organization has grown to some 22,000 employees, including 3,500 veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP, making it the largest private-sector employer of veterans in Canada.

The new display features Major Benjamin Handly Geary of the East Surrey Regiment, who earned the Victoria Cross for his bravery at Hill 60 near Ypres during the First World War. Despite being wounded four times, then-Second Lieutenant Geary survived and later served as the Ontario Legislature’s Sergeant-at-Arms from 1947 to 1972.

Also featured is Lieutenant Colin Fraser Barron of the 48th Highlanders, who, as a corporal during the First World War, captured three German machine-gun positions in the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele. He, too, received the Victoria Cross. After working as a police officer during the interwar period, he also went on to serve during the Second World War with the Royal Regiment of Canada, as the Provost Sergeant-Major for the 1st Division in England.

The display also highlights modern-day Commissionaires, including Ajit Singh and Rodney McAlpine, both recognized with medals of bravery for their quick thinking and life-saving actions, and Sandra Perron, a bestselling author and veterans’ advocate who was Canada’s first female infantry officer.

“We are delighted with how Commissionaires Way recognizes some of the many extraordinary people who served and continue to serve the Corps throughout our century of service to Canadians,” said Commissionaires Chief of Staff, Captain Harry Harsch, OMM, CD, RCN (Ret’d).

Developed by the Canadian War Museum, this will be an ongoing display. The Museum extends its sincere appreciation to Commissionaires for its generous support in bringing this important tribute to life.