A hundred years on Major-General Morrison remains icon

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This article was published 01/11/2018 (2711 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With the 100-year anniversary of the Nov. 11 armistice fast approaching, the Royal Canadian Artillery Museum in Shilo continues to draw attention to important figures of that time.

One such figure, Major-General Sir Edward Morrison of the Canadian Field Artillery, stands tall among these Canadian icons.

“He’s certainly a heavy hitter when it comes to great gunners in Canadian history,” museum director Andrew Oakden said.

Born in London, Ont. in July 1867, Morrison started out his professional life as a journalist. Initially employed in Hamilton, he went on to become the editor-in-chief of the Ottawa Citizen.

Oakden described Morrison as a “confederation baby,” since he was born five days after the birth of Canada as a nation.

“He advanced the perspective of being Canadian rather than being a British subject,” Oakden said.

Morrison played an important role in establishing the Canadian identify, especially in terms of the artillery.

Joining the Canadian Militia in 1898, Morrison saw service in South Africa from 1899 to 1901, during which he earned a fierce reputation.

Morrison took home a Distinguished Service Order, South Africa Medal and became a Brevet-Captain while deployed.

In 1901, he reenlisted to become commander of the 8th Artillery Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. In 1913, he joined the Canadian Permanent Militia becoming director of artillery.

“He certainly provided a lot of leadership and strategy that wasn’t there before World War One,” Oakden said.

When the First World War broke out, Morrison was given command of the 1st Field Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery.

Morrison served with other giants of Canadian history during the “war to end all wars,” including Colonel John McRae, author of the famous poem “In Flanders Fields.”

With a number of legendary gunners featured at the museum, Morrison stands out with a number of his artifacts featured in displays. The museum has his 1890s lieutenant uniform, along with the printing plate of the poem “In Flanders Fields.”

“It brings home what the Canadian experience was at that time,” Oakden said.

The First World War introduced Canadians to an entirely new form of warfare. Changes included trenches, heavy artillery, accurate small arms and shrapnel.

“It was certainly a different war,” Oakden said.

Morrison served in a number of important battles during the war including the Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele, Amiens, Arras, the Last 100 Days and the Mons 1918.

When the war came to a conclusion he served in the Army of Occupation in Germany and was promoted to Major-General in 1918.

He died in 1925, leaving behind a legacy that has lasted 100 years.

Oakden said that he hopes hopes figures like Morrison can help generate an interest in Canadian involvement in overseas battles which inspires guests to learn more about the subject.

“We hope we open that door, and spark that curiosity,” Oakden said.

The museum will have special hours and free admission on Remembrance Day.

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