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Home , 1942 in rail transport, Canadian (train), Canadian Pacific Railway, Imperial Limited, Sam Steele, The Dominion (train)

Railway and

To those who fall, I say: “You will not die, but step into immortality.” Arthur Currie, Lieutenant-General, Canadian Army Corps (March 27, 1918) 1 AND WAR 

hen conflict reaches an Wultimate impasse…war is the tragic result.

And when , the A.20173 Ref.

Ref. NS.3003 Ref. , and even the of America, were embroiled in such conflict Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was there from the get-go… contributing to the war efforts in North America and overseas. Not content to be just an

Ref. NS.8135 Ref. economic and political tool Ref. NS.11220 Ref. linking Canada’s east and west, CPR was also a major Canadian, North American and world

strategic .

Ref. A.15505 Ref.

Ref.WAR.80.0

Ref. NS.3663 Ref. Ref. NS.4760 Ref.

Jonathan B. Hanna Corporate Historian Canadian Pacific Railway

2 CPR AND THE RIEL REBELLION 

PR was not just an economic Aside from strategic benefits, CPR (half native and half French- Cand political tool to link actually helped quash an armed Canadian or Scottish-Canadian) Canada’s east and west in the insurrection at home on the were not. After all this was really 1880s. CPR was also a major Canadian . their land that was trading hands Canadian strategic weapon. As so quickly, easily and cheaply. So strange as it may sound, CPR Trouble started brewing soon after the natives worked on setting up actually served to keep Americans Canada was formed, July 1, 1867. reserves. And Métis leader Louis and their “manifest destiny” at bay The Hudson’s Bay Company (Hbc) Riel set up a whole province – below the 49th parallel. There was a sold a huge tract of land it owned . Not as big as today’s definite move afoot in 19th Century in the Canadian northwest to the Manitoba, provincial status came United States of America to push Canadian government. In 1869, nevertheless to the province on the western international border Hbc sold the 1.5-million-square- July 15, 1870…only after a bitter between Canada and the US mile Rupert’s Land to the federal Riel-led insurrection. Riel’s northward. In the first half of the government for $1.5 million. This mistake was he decided to execute century, cries of “54-40 or fight” was almost twice the size of the upstart Orangeman and rang out in the US – in a bid to US’s Louisiana Purchase at only Red River settler, Thomas Scott. push the boundary as far north as one-tenth the cost. The feds were After Scott was shot, Riel managed 54 degrees, 40 minutes of latitude happy with their purchase from to sneak off un-prosecuted and in the northern hemisphere. The “The Bay.” The natives and Métis take refuge in the US. But, in the arrival of the CPR established a 1880s, civilization, and now the presence in the Canadian West. Canadian militia, en route to quash the CPR, again threatened the Métis’ “Riel Rebellion”, travel in relative comfort CPR linked with on a CPR day coach. way of life. So Riel was back by Central and , Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. invitation in Canada’s northwest to putting an end to all this talk. A.4253 “deliver his people.”

3 CANADIAN PACIFIC AND THE BOER WAR: STRATHCONA’S HORSE 

But this time his rebellion French Canadian nationalists, backfired. The CPR, epitomizing led by Henri Bourassa, saw eastern encroachment, helped growing British imperialism as quash the rebellion and save the a threat and backed the day…and it saved the CPR too. Afrikaners (or Boers). Wilfrid CPR was on the brink of Laurier’s government bankruptcy in 1885. Half a year reluctantly raised an initial before the last spike was driven, contingent of 1,000 teamed up with infantrymen to fight in the war. Gabriel Dumont, Poundmaker But British reversals of fortune, and , and waged a injuries and casualties called on bloody battle at Duck Lake, on Canada to ante up a further March 26, 1885. His actions 6,000 volunteers. And then a proved the national security third contingent of 1,000 was benefit of the CPR. CPR came to sent to replace the Halifax the rescue with logistical reserves that were overseas. finesse, transporting troops Canada’s total wartime bill for from the east over its nearly all this? $2,830,965. completed main line, to the western hot spots. The 1885 This clearly was not enough for rebellion was quelled in a matter the of Canada – a of weeks. Whereas, back in 1870, loyal member of the British it took Colonel Wolseley three Empire. So CPR’s senior months just to get his troops to director, driver of the last spike Manitoba. One of the 400 “rough riders” Lord Strathcona recruited and, at that time, Canadian High in 1900 to go overseas and fight in the “Boer War”. Commissioner to , Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. NS.11964 Donald Smith a.k.a. Lord Strathcona and Mont Royal, had n 1899, Canada got involved in an idea. He would raise, equip A statue commemorating “Strathcona’s Horse” erected Iits first overseas conflict. and fund…with his own in ’s Dominion Square. For the first time since becoming Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. NS.10220 money…a mounted cavalry to a nation, Canada was involved in send off to South Africa to fight a conflict outside North America. in the war. On New Year’s Eve, It sent volunteers and troops to the day before 1899 became South Africa to fight in the South 1900, Lord Strathcona sent a African War – more commonly telegram to Prime Minister known as the Boer War (1899 - Wilfrid Laurier: 1902). Great Britain was in “Very confidential. Should like conflict with the two Afrikaner to provide and send to South republics of South Africa (or Africa my personal fund Transvaal) and the Orange Free squadron mounted men and State. were already officers say four hundred men split on whom to back. The and horses from North West, government and much of single men if possible. Force English Canada backed the Brits. will be Canadian but distinct 4 CANADIAN PACIFIC AND I  from Government contingent. Men must be expert marksmen, at home in saddle, and efficient as rough riders and rangers. I propose pay cost shipment similar that of Canadian contingent and transport if you approve proposal.” Laurier accepted immediately. And the contingent, though Strathcona wanted to remain anonymous, was called “Strathcona’s Horse.” Men and horses were recruited in , went east on CPR – the men in CPR tourist cars and the horses in CPR “palace horse cars” – and then overseas on a future CPR ship: the Monterey. The highly trained double squadron of 400 men and horses fought with distinction, under fabled Canadian hero , and returned home highly decorated – the decorated survivors traveling on CPR’s transcontinental . One riginally called the Great War, over, and the Armistice was signed, member, Sergeant Arthur O was “great” only on November 11, 1918, a total of 32 Richardson, was awarded the for the great number of nations, nations had fought on both sides coveted Cross. people and resources involved – of the conflict, mobilizing over 65 And what was the CPR director’s and, alas, the great number of million soldiers. A mind-numbing personal tab for Strathcona’s Horse? casualties that resulted. Canada 8.5 million souls died as a result. Over $1 million…a huge sum in and Canadian Pacific Railway Canada’s share was an awesome those days! (CPR) were very much involved in 60,000. And CPR’s was an this world conflict. When all was appalling 1,116. CPR put the entire resources of the “world’s greatest travel system” at the empire’s disposal…this, during CPR’s heyday, when the Top: CPR troop train near Golden, B.C. railway was much more than just a 1916. Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. NS.3269 railway. Not only were the railway’s trains and tracks at the British Bottom: Requisitioned CPR ships in their Empire’s disposal, but also its bizarre World War I camouflage paint. ships, shops, hotels, telegraphs, Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. and, above all, its people. NS.25229

5 CANADIAN PACIFIC AND WORLD WAR I 

Women helping out during World War I, manufacturing munitions at our home shops. Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. A.15505 Aiding the war effort meant catastrophic 10 percent (1,116) At the time, CPR was the strongest transporting and billeting troops; were killed, and nearly 20 percent and most viable railway in Canada. building and supplying arms and (2,105) were wounded. Two CPR So it set up and formed the major munitions; arming, lending and employees received the coveted part of the Canadian Overseas selling ships. Fifty-two CPR ships Victoria Cross and 385 others were Railway Reconstruction Corps – a were pressed into service during decorated for valor and group of skilled railroaders and World War I, carrying more than a distinguished service. engineers who went overseas million troops and passengers and during and after World War I to four million tons of . Twenty- CPR also helped the war effort with rebuild ’s railway seven survived and returned to money and jobs. CPR made loans infrastructure. CPR. Twelve sank, mostly and guarantees to the Allies to the torpedoed by U-boats; two sank by tune of $100 million. CPR also took As a lasting tribute, CPR marine accident; 10 were sold to on 6,000 extra people, giving them commissioned three statues and the British Admiralty; and the jobs during the war. And when the 23 memorial tablets to Maharajah of Gwalior turned the fighting was over and the troops commemorate the efforts of those Empress of into a hospital came home, CPR found jobs for the who fought and those who died in ship. But CPR’s most important ex-soldiers. 7,573 CPR enlistees World War I. contribution was its men and came back to jobs with the women, at home and abroad. company. And CPR gave jobs to an 11,340 CPR employees enlisted. A additional 13,112 who made it back from overseas fighting.

6 CANADIAN PACIFIC AND WORLD WAR II 

only significantly involved in World War I, but also contributed to the Boer War (1899 to 1902) and even the 1885 Second North-West (Riel) Rebellion. And with the outbreak of World War II, the entire CPR network was again at the disposal of the Allied war effort. On land, CPR moved 307 million tons of freight and 86 million passengers; including 150,000 soldiers, nearly 130,000 army and air force re-patriots, and thousands of sailors. At sea, 22 CPR ships went to war with 12 of them being sunk, including CPR’s largest passenger ship ever, which was almost as big as the Titanic – of Britain II. In the air, CPR pioneered the “ Bridge” – the transatlantic ferrying of bombers to Britain. CPR set up pilot training schools and opened Canada’s strategic far north, creating Canadian Pacific Air Lines in 1942. CPR transformed major portions of its shops in Montreal and to build munitions, naval guns and tanks. By V-J Day, CPR shops had turned out 1,420 Valentine tanks; 75 main engines for corvettes, frigates and landing craft; over 600 naval vessel power equipment Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. s soon as the British Empire components; 3,000 naval guns A.6758 A got involved, Canadian Pacific and 1,650 naval gun mounts; Railway (CPR) got involved too. 2,000 anti-submarine devices; There was no question but that and 120 range-finding and fire- CPR, its people, its resources, its control equipment. ingenuity and expertise were needed at home and overseas in CPR reorganized its entire shop World War II. system for the war. Much of Angus Shops, in Montreal, was turned CPR had built up a large measure over to building Valentine tanks of war expertise. After all, it was not and munitions. Calgary’s Ogden 7 CANADIAN PACIFIC AND WORLD WAR II 

CPR built 1.420 Valentine tanks at its Shops were mostly dedicated to Although on leave since October east-end shops in Montreal naval guns; building guns not 1942, the “Rocket” didn’t resign his during World War II. only for Canada and Great Britain, Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. “secure” CPR job until he was NS.3004 but for the US as well. And Weston comfortable with his hockey Shops, in Winnipeg, became the career…a few weeks into the 1944- main locomotive shops for the World War II Canadian soldiers on a CPR 1945 hockey season, when he troop train. system. Wartime shop production scored his record-setting 50 goals Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. signaled the end of the Great in 50 games. WAR.9-2 Depression and offered jobs to many laid-off CPR employees. And Canadian Pacific also provided the with the debacle memorable setting for the two raging on in Canada, the company Conferences it hosted at the also provided jobs on the home Chateau Frontenac in 1943 and front to CPR employees’ offspring 1944. It was there, in 1943, that who wanted to contribute to the Churchill and Roosevelt set the war effort. One such case was a stage for the D-Day invasion that CPR Angus Shops carpenter’s son. turned the tides of World War II. Hockey legend Maurice “Rocket” 21,787 CPR employees enlisted in Richard worked as a machinist for World War II. 658 sacrificed their CPR’s Munitions Dept., in 1942. lives. 8 CANADIAN PACIFIC AND WAR - TODAY 

PR participates to this day in CFB Valcartier, Que., and CFB CPR preparing to move equipment C Canadian troop movements Suffield, Alta. from CFB Suffield, Alta. and field exercises, shipping army Ref. photo by Rick Robinson vehicles and equipment by rail to CPR’s military involvements since remote training grounds or in World War II stretched past preparation for shipment overseas. Canada’s borders to its US affiliates and beyond. CPR employees in In a logistics move reminiscent of Maine and , and Soo Line World War II or before (minus the employees in the Midwest US were movement of troops), CPR moves involved in the Korean War and the all sorts of Canadian Forces Base war in Vietnam. CPR also answered (CFB) vehicles to and from “on- the call to military duty in more line” bases, such as CFB Suffield in recent times. A Canadian Pacific . With more lines in the east bulkship became a water tanker in in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Falkland Islands War. CPR and CPR would undertake massive the Soo Line helped redistribute military equipment moves rail cars during the national boxcar between CFBs – CFB Gagetown, pool crunch caused by the 1991 N.B.; CFB Petawawa, Ont.; and Gulf War. And CPR moved military even a 2,100-vehicle move between equipment for the mid-1990s Bosnian conflict. 9 CANADIAN PACIFIC AND WAR - TODAY 

Master Seaman Julie McDonald (left) with theCanadian Armed Forces national award. Ref. Canadian Forces Liaison Council

Award for Most Supportive being of Canada, it has proven it is sides of the conflict, mobilizing Employer in Canada ‘twice the corporate citizen’ by over 65 million soldiers. A giving reservists time off, without staggering eight-and-a-half In May 2003, CPR won the penalty, for their military million died in the war. Canada’s Canadian Forces Liaison Council’s endeavors.” share was 60,000. CPR’s was a national award as Canada’s most mind-numbing 1,116. supportive employer of primary CPR’s Winnipeg “winged angel” Reserve Force personnel. statue So CPR proposed a lasting tribute Reservist-employee Master and commissioned Montreal Seaman Julie McDonald September 19, 2003, a 1922 CPR sculptor Coeur de Lion MacCarthy acknowledged the support statue of a winged angel carrying to render three statues and reservists receive and also off a fallen soldier was unveiled 23 memorial tablets. These would acknowledged the history of and re-dedicated in Winnipeg – on commemorate employees who support CPR has given the beautifully reworked grounds fought and died in the Great War. throughout. of the Deer Lodge Centre. Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company of Mount Vernon, N.Y., produced Winston Churchill once said, “The The statue is not new. But it’s a lasting, reverent and solemn the statues and tablets. They were reservist is twice the citizen.” unveiled with appropriate Reservists contribute to the tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in war. solemnity and ceremony, in 1922, country through civilian at CPR locations in North America endeavors and also as members of CPR employees invested heart and and overseas. CPR offices from the military. Canada’s Minister of soul in the “Great War” – World War I. London to Hong Kong got war Defense stated: “Not only does CPR Many paid with their lives. When it memorial tablets. The three winged contribute to the economic well- was all over, November 11, 1918, angel statues went to CPR stations 32 nations had fought on both in Montreal, Winnipeg and 10 CANADIAN PACIFIC AND WAR - TODAY 

CPR names a vintage after Canada’s last surviving Victoria Cross winner, Ernest “Smoky” Smith (seated at left). November 29, 2003. Ref. photo by Darrel Sundholm

Darrel Sundholm. Actually, Darrel thought CPR should name a locomotive after Canada’s only surviving Victoria Cross winner. So he approached CPR president and CEO Rob Ritchie with his great idea. decided to go one better. He named a CPR passenger car after the war hero. You see…there are 1,649 CPR out there…and only a dozen CPR passenger cars. Locomotives often go about their business in relative obscurity…in out of the way places, or under the cover of darkness. But CPR’s . Montreal’s statue was front-and-center on the redesigned vintage CPR passenger cars are unveiled right where it stands Portage Avenue grounds of the more often than not in public view. today – at the south end of the former veterans’ hospital. The car chosen to honor “Smoky” Windsor Station concourse – with Smith spends spring, summer and governor general Baron Byng A challenge launched 81 years fall traveling all over Canada and doing the honors. before was met. Montreal’s The Gazette entreated in their April 28, on CPR’s US network in the Winnipeg’s “winged angel” was 1922 article “Pledges to the Dead”: company of CPR’s roving first unveiled in front of the “Let those who come after see that ambassador – a 1930 steam station/office/hotel complex on these memorials now being erected locomotive: CPR Empress. Higgins Avenue where it stood are never allowed to fall into Funds for the Canadian War silent tribute for nearly seven disrepute.” The statue’s new home Museum decades. In 1990 the statue reigned and caretakers answered that at a new home – in the Disraeli challenge! In 2004, Canadian Pacific Railway Freeway Park in front of the CPR made a commitment to CPR renames a vintage passenger offices at 150 Henry Avenue. The commemorate its and its car after World War II hero statue fell into disrepute in this employees’ 13-decade-long Ernest “Smoky” Smith location, and offered little contribution to Canada’s war reverence, reflection, and And on November 29, 2003, CPR efforts. CPR president and CEO remembrance. So CPR, the Intrepid honored Canada’s last surviving Rob Ritchie pledged $450,000 over Society and Winnipeg’s Deer Lodge Victoria Cross recipient by the next four years to help preserve Centre moved the statue to a new renaming a vintage passenger car Canada’s military heritage. The location and placed it on a brand after World War II hero Ernest money will help, in CPR’s new granite plinth recognizing all “Smoky” Smith. The idea came contributors to all …placed from CPR locomotive engineer 11 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY AND WAR 

headquarter city of Calgary, Alta., the Sharing our Military Heritage campaign and its development of the largest tri-service military museum in the country. This contribution also helps the Passing the Torch Campaign that is raising funds for the Canadian War Museum in . CPR’s significant contribution will help the Ottawa museum tell the story of CPR’s role in Canada’s conflicts. CPR will get its very own “war room” display centered on a recovered CPR Valentine tank from .

World War II soldiers, waiting to “ship out” overseas, cluster around Coeur de Lion MacCarthy’s commemorative statue in Montreal’s Windsor Station concourse. Ref. Canadian Pacific Railway Archives. A.17411

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