Currie, Sir Arthur (1875-1933), was the first Canadian commander of the Canadian Corps in Europe during World War I (1914-1918). The Canadian Corps served with the British Army fighting on the Western Front, a battlefront that stretched across Belgium and northeastern France.
Currie began the war as commander of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade. In April 1915, his troops withstood the first German poison gas attack near the Belgian town of Ypres. Currie then commanded the 1st Canadian Division and was eventually promoted to lieutenant general in command of the Canadian Corps. Currie helped plan and execute the successful attack on Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Vimy Ridge was a German stronghold northeast of Arras, France.
Currie was the object of some controversy, however. Among other things, he was criticized for sending troops into combat on the war’s final day—Nov. 11, 1918.
Arthur William Currie was born on Dec. 5, 1875, near Strathroy, Ontario. Before the war, Currie worked as a teacher, insurance broker, and real estate agent. He also served as a militia officer in British Columbia. Currie was knighted in 1917 by King George V of England. He later served as inspector general of the Canadian militia. Currie served as principal and vice chancellor of McGill University in Montreal from 1920 until his death on Nov. 30, 1933.
See also Vimy Ridge, Battle of ; World War I .
