Canada and the First World War

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You do not have Flash Player installed on this computer. You can download it here: Adobe Charge of Flowerdew's Squadron
Charge of Flowerdew's Squadron
Nearly three-quarters of the Canadian cavalry involved in this attack against German machine-gun positions at Moreuil Wood on 30 March 1918 were killed or wounded. This included Lieutenant G.M. Flowerdew, Lord Strathcona's Horse, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for leading the charge. Unable to break the trench deadlock and of little use at the front, cavalry remained behind the lines for much of the war. During the German offensives of March and April 1918, however, the cavalry played an essential role in the open warfare that temporarily confronted the retreating British forces.

Charge of Flowerdew's Squadron
Painted by Sir Alfred James Munnings
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-0443