NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL, OTTAWA — Members of the media and the public are invited to attend a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 108th Anniversary of the Battle of Moreuil Wood, to be held on Friday, March 27, 2025, at the National War Memorial, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The Battle of Moreuil Wood formed part of the wider Allied effort to stem the German Spring Offensive (Operation Michael) in 1918, in the area of Amiens, France. On March 30, 1918, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians)—as part of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade—encountered and defeated a German force approximately four times their number at Moreuil Wood. Losses to men and horses were extremely high: 53 of the 75 Strathcona’s in the charging squadron were killed or wounded. The mission, however, was accomplished. The Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Gordon Flowerdew, was awarded the Victoria Cross (posthumously) for his leadership that day.

Moreuil Wood is recognized as the last great cavalry charge in Canadian Army history, and among the last such actions in British and Commonwealth warfare. Lt.-Col. D.J. Macdonald (Williamstown, Ontario) and Pte. Albert Dale (Alexandria, Ontario—born in Essex, England) both fought with exceptional courage in this epic battle for freedom.

The ceremony will include opening remarks by the Master of Ceremonies, followed by a Benediction, the Last Post, a Moment of Silence, the Rouse, the Lament, and the laying of wreaths by the Government of Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, members of the Diplomatic Corps, veterans’ organizations, and others.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to gather at D’Arcy McGee’s (44 Sparks Street; cash bar) to share reflections and commemorate the heroic service of our Veterans, the Canadian Armed Forces, and First Responders.

Additional information will be added as our event theme grows.

For final coordination, all guests are asked to arrive at the monument no later than 10:50 a.m.

Location:       The National War Memorial an Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Confederation Square                       

Date:             Friday, March 27, 2026

Time:            10:30am

Contact Information

Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award Institute

Stéphane Ouellette

Founder/President

Email: ouellettes@rogers.com