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Friday, March 30, 2018

GALLANTRY IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY

CANADIANS DRIVE OFF GERMANS AT MOREUIL WOOD

Moreuil, France (JFK+50) One hundred years ago, March 30, 1918, the German 23rd Saxon Division was driven off a commanding position along the Arve River bank at the Battle of Moreuil Wood in France.

The attack was conducted by the Canadian Cavalry Brigade under General J.E.B. Seely.  Lieutenant Gordon Flowerdew* of Lord Strathcona's Horse was awarded the Victoria Cross** for his gallantry in leading the cavalry charge at Moreuil Wood.  

The Battle of Moreuil Wood ended the early spring German offensive.

*Gordon Muriel Flowerdew (1885-1918) was born in Bllingford, Norfolk, England & educated at Framlingham College.  CMF moved to British Columbia where he took up ranching before joining the Canadian Royal Army.  While leading the charge at Moreuil Wood, GMF was mortally wounded.

**Victoria Cross is the highest award given by British & Canadian Armies for gallantry in the face of the enemy.


Charge of Flowerdew's Squadron
Painting by Alfred Munnings
Canadian War Museum