Today, April 9, we proudly remember one of the most stirring moments in Canadian military history and a treasured piece of Albert County heritage.
One hundred and nine years ago, on Easter Monday 1917, the soldiers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force launched a bold and brilliant assault on Vimy Ridge. In a stunning victory that helped turn the tide of the First World War, our troops captured more ground, more prisoners, and more enemy guns than any previous Allied offensive. The Canadians stood shoulder to shoulder. Four divisions fighting as one, they proved to the world what courage, determination, and ingenuity could achieve.
Among the spoils of that hard-fought day was a German 10 cm K14 field gun (serial number 590). Captured in fierce close-quarters combat by the brave men of the 27th Battalion (City of Winnipeg), this gun was later brought home to Canada as a symbol of victory. In 1920, it found its permanent home right here in Hopewell Cape, where it still stands today as a powerful reminder of Albert County’s deep connection to the Great War.
This remarkable war trophy was won by the citizens of Albert County in the 1919 Victory Loans competition. With a population of just over 8,700, our county was challenged to raise $110,000 but responded with outstanding patriotism, contributing an impressive $347,600. This was the highest percentage over target anywhere in New Brunswick. As a proud reward for their extraordinary support of Canada's war effort, Albert County was awarded this captured German gun, which arrived in Hopewell Cape in 1920.
Local ties run even deeper. Research shows the gun was likely damaged by shells from New Brunswick’s own 6th or 8th Siege Battery before its capture. This links our province’s gunners directly to this historic trophy.
.The cost of Vimy was high. 3,598 Canadians gave their lives, and thousands more were wounded. Yet their sacrifice forged a stronger national identity and earned Canada a proud place among the nations. The Hopewell Cape Vimy Gun stands as a silent witness to their valour, a tangible link between the battlefields of France and the communities of Albert County.
At the Albert County Museum and RB Bennett Centre, we are honoured to preserve and share this remarkable artifact and the stories of the “County of Heroes” who served.
We invite you to visit us this season, stand beside the Vimy Gun, and reflect on the courage that helped build our nation
.Lest We Forget.
Albert County Museum and RB Bennett Centre
Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick
Where history lives and heroes are remembered.