On October 3, 1914, the largest single movement of Canadians during the First World War—the largest convoy ever to cross the Atlantic to that point—set sail. Canada's response to Britain's declaration of war had been swift and enthusiastic, with recruits quickly swelling the nation's standing army of 3,110 to more than 30,000.
Tens of thousands of fathers, sons, husbands and brothers made their way up roped gangways to steel ships that would take them, along with 7,000 horses and critical munitions and supplies, to England.
Trains also played an essential role in Canada's mobilisation as they brought soldiers across the continent to the new training camp in Valcartier near the city of Québec, or delivered them to the Port of Halifax, where they would head out to sea. Over the course of the war, more than 650,000 men made that voyage. Sadly, more than 66,000 never returned home.
A touching commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the declaration of the First World War.
Special features:
• Your coin is a reverential and affordable way to commemorate a seminal moment in Canadian history, putting our nation at the forefront of the allied offense.
• The design commemorates the 100th anniversary of the declaration of the First World War, and is a heartfelt tribute to those who served as part of the First Contingent of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
• Your coin's design offers a unique perspective that immerses you in the scene, much as it unfolded in October 1914. A rear view of the soldier creates the impression that you are next in line to board the same ship, which would bring him across the Atlantic Ocean and closer to the front lines on the European continent.
• Your coin is 99.99% pure silver (GST/HST exempt) with a limited worldwide mintage.
Design:
Your coin was designed by Canadian artist Maskull Lasserre, and features a rear view of a Canadian soldier as he embarks on a ship bound for England. The chill of the October air does little to slow our soldier's confident pace, as he makes his way up the roped gangway and onto the steel ship with his equipment and rifle. Many more would board these ships, which would transport the First Canadian Contingent to Plymouth in October 1914.
Packaging:
Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with custom beauty box.
Order your coin today!
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