CALGARY, April 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific
today commemorated the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the ultimate sacrifice made by
more than 3,500 Canadians in a military victory that many consider
a defining moment in the history of the country.
CP put the resources of its entire globe-spanning freight and
travel system at the disposal of the British Empire and allies at
the outset of the war, contributing not only tracks and trains, but
its ships, yards, shops, hotels, telegraph lines and – above all
else – its people. Some 11,340 CP employees enlisted with a
stunning 1,116 railroaders losing their lives and another 20
percent wounded before the end of the war.
"I salute the thousands of Canadians and CP railroaders who
served then and the many men and women of CP who serve their
country still," said CP President and CEO Keith Creel. "Many Canadians paid a terrible
price for this historic victory at Vimy, and I am humbled and honoured to be part
of a company that has contributed so much to protecting the people
and values we all hold so dear."
During the war, two CP employees received the Victoria Cross – the highest award in the
United Kingdom – for gallantry "in
the face of the enemy," and 385 others were decorated for valor and
distinguished service.
As part of its effort, CP also organized the first battalion of
Canadian Overseas Railway Construction Corps (CORCC) to build and
run railways through Europe during
the war.
To learn more about CP's contributions to Canada's war efforts, please click here.
About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific
(TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the
United States with direct links to eight major ports,
including Vancouver and
Montreal, providing North American
customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in
every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers,
offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics
solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail
advantages of CP.
SOURCE Canadian Pacific