Lieutenant-General Arthur William, Sir Currie
Survivor of WW1
Date of Death:
Service Biography
Sir Arthur Currie was the first Canadian commander of Canada's overseas forces in World War I. While Currie did not look the part of a professional soldier, he is generally thought by historians to be the best military commander that Canada has produced. Currie was given command of a battalion in the first Canadian contingent overseas in October 1914, despite his then limited experience. He advanced steadily, winning distinction at the battles of Ypres and Saint-Julien in Belgium and at the battle of Vimy Ridge in France. Within three years (in 1917) he became Lieutenant General and commander of the four divisions of the Canadian Corps, succeeding British General Sir Julian Byng. He lead the Canadian troops at Hill 70 and Passchendaele, as well as other major battles. Currie was knighted in 1918. After the war he served as inspector general of the Canadian militia and became the first full General in the Canadian Army. In 1920 he accepted the position of principal and vice chancellor of McGill University, Montreal, and retained that post until his death on 30 November 1933.
General Information
Conflict:
WW1
Regimental No.:
NA
Cause of Death (in war):
Survived
Branch:
Army
Regiment:
Canadian Infantry
Battalion:
Canadian Corps Headquarters
Company:
Date of Birth :
Place of Birth:
Adelaide Township, Ontario
Date of Enlistment:
Age at Enlistment:
38 years 9 months
Date of Discharge:
Age at Discharge:
Date of Death:
Age at Death:
57 years 11 months
Country Born:
Canada
Trade or Calling:
Real Estate and Insurance
Next of Kin:
Lucy Sophia Currie, wife.1114 Alston Street, Victoria, British Columbia
Address at Enlistment:
1114 Alston Street, Victoria, British Columbia
Religion:
Church of England
Place of Enlistment:
Valcartier, Quebec
Was a Prisoner of War:
Height:
6 ft 2.0 in / 188 cm
Weight:
Chest:
46.0 in / 117 cm
Expansion:
4.0 in / 10 cm
Marital Status:
Married
Prior Military Experience:
Yes
Saw Service in:
Europe
Place of Discharge:
Discharge Type:
Regular/End of Service
Discharge Notes:
Battle Died/Wounded:
Length of Service:
Buried at:
Plot:
Links
Images
Image
General Sir Arthur Currie
Ranks
| Conflict |
Rank |
Regiment |
Branch |
Unit |
Company |
Date From |
Date To |
| WW1 |
Lieutenant-General |
Canadian Infantry |
Army |
Canadian Corps Headquarters |
|
|
|
| WW1 |
Lieutenant-Colonel |
Canadian Infantry |
Army |
2nd Infantry Brigade |
Staff |
|
|
Available Transcriptions
Notes
Born near Strathroy, Ontario. Grandfather's name was John Corrigan who emigrated to Canada in 1838. Became Methodists on arrival and changed name to Curry. Arthur Currie modified the spelling of last name in 1897. Married in August 1901 to Lucy Musters, daughter of an English Army Officer. He was a Freemason and Liberal.
Web site on Currie at http://currieproject.ca
Sir Arthur Currie was the first Canadian commander of Canada's overseas forces in World War I. While Currie did not look the part of a professional soldier, he is generally thought by historians to be the best military commander that Canada has produced. Currie was given command of a battalion in the first Canadian contingent overseas in October 1914, despite his then limited experience. He advanced steadily, winning distinction at the battles of Ypres and Saint-Julien in Belgium and at the battle of Vimy Ridge in France. Within three years (in 1917) he became Lieutenant General and commander of the four divisions of the Canadian Corps, succeeding British General Sir Julian Byng. He lead the Canadian troops at Hill 70 and Passchendaele, as well as other major battles. Currie was knighted in 1918. After the war he served as inspector general of the Canadian militia and became the first full General in the Canadian Army. In 1920 he accepted the position of principal and vice chancellor of McGill University, Montreal, and retained that post until his death on 30 November 1933.
Additional Service Notes
Additional Next of Kin Notes
