New exhibition presents panoramic photographs of Canadians departing for overseas service during the First World War

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Ottawa, Ontario, April 20, 2018 — More than one hundred years ago, thousands of Canadians left to serve in the First World War. The Canadian War Museum is highlighting their legacy in Ready to Serve – Canadian Panoramic Photographs of the First World War, an exhibition of photographs showing Canadian Expeditionary Force units before they went overseas.

“Over 620,000 men and women from across Canada served in the First World War,” said Caroline Dromaguet, Acting Director General of the Canadian War Museum. “These panoramic photographs are a visual reminder of that moment in time, capturing them on the brink of monumental service and sacrifice.”

During the First World War, commercial photographers took pictures of the Canadian Expeditionary Force units before they went overseas. Intended primarily as a visual record for the military, these images were also bought as mementoes by loved ones in Canada. Local businesses and community groups often purchased the photographs as a sign of support.

Ready to Serve presents 12 of the more than 450 First World War panoramic photographs in the Canadian War Museum’s George Metcalf Archival Collection.

This exhibition was made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Canadian War Museum, and Michael and Anne Gough. It will be presented at the Museum from April 20 to September 16, 2018.

The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history. Its mission is to promote public understanding of Canada’s military history in its personal, national, and international dimensions. Work of the Canadian War Museum is made possible in part through financial support of the Government of Canada.

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Media contacts:
Avra Gibbs Lamey
Acting Manager, Public Affairs
Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819-776-8607
Email: avra.gibbs-lamey@warmuseum.ca