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Contacts and information

Corentin Rousman Commemorations Coordinator for the City of Mons22 Grand’Place, 7000 Mons, Belgique+32 (0) 478 / 41 76 [email protected]

Artwork : Thierry Nisolle [email protected]

ØElio Di Rupo, State Minister and Mayor of the city of Mons

In November of 2018, The City of Mons will become the historical focal point for Commemorative Ceremonies for the end of World War I.

It is in Mons, that British and German armies first met in armed conflict on the 23rd of August 1914, thus commencing the First World War. It was not until four years later, in November 2018, that Canadian troops liberated our city bringing WWI to an end. Consequently Mons has become a historic and symbolic place for Great War Centennial Ceremonies.

On November 11, 2018, Mons will host a festival of events to celebrate the end of World War I . Mons would especially like to thank Canada by “colouring the city” in the colours of the nation that liberated us. The City of Mons would like to acknowledge and commemorate the sacrifices that this young nation made to bring about the end of the Great War. Armistice Day, the 11th of November 1918, marks the end of the greatest conflict of the twentieth century.

H.E. Denis Robert, Ambassador of Canada

It was at Mons, on 11 November 1918, that the First World War ended for Canadian soldiers, after 4 years of fighting and immense sacrifices that changed Canada forever. More than 14,000 Canadian soldiers died in Belgium between 1915 and 1918. The last of those soldiers to die was George Price, killed 2 minutes before Armistice at Ville-sur-Haine, a few kilometers from Mons.

In the course of the last week of the First World War, the Canadian army liberated the entire region of Mons, from Quiévrain to Casteau. This “Pursuit to Mons” was part of the “Hundred Days of Canada,” a series of offensives in 1918 on the Western Front during which the Canadian corps spearheaded the armies of the British Empire.

The First World War was an important landmark in Canada’s evolution towards nationhood. In 1914, Canada entered the war as a self-governing dominion. Canada’s accomplishments on the battlefields of Ypres, Vimy, Passchendaele and Mons have contributed - both at home and abroad – to respect for and recognition of Canada for its commitment and leadership. This new reputation earned Canada the right to affix its own signature on the Treaty of Versailles and to become a founding member of the League of Nations. National status had been achieved.

As Ambassador of Canada, I am deeply moved by the intention of the City of Mons and of its Mayor, Mr Elio Di Rupo, to honour Canada in Mons in November 2018 and I welcome those initiatives that will contribute to the lustre of this major commemoration.

16:30 Military music concert

After the ceremonies, the music of the regiments would organize a concert of military music bands together the different regiments.

17:00 Carillon Concerts

The highlight of the celebrations, the carillon of Mons, located in the belfry of the sixteenth century, and

Ottawa, the peace tower built at the end of the Great War, could simultaneously play common tunes, played on Mons by the bell ringer at the arrival of Canadian troops in 1918. When it is 17:00 to Mons, it is 11:00 to

Ottawa.

Our desire would be to have the Ottawa ceremonies broadcast on a giant screen in Mons and conversely, those of Mons in Ottawa broadcast on giant screen.

18:00 Projection / Mapping on the Main Square

This is a projection on the facade of City Hall Mons (XV century), with a video projection-mapping

technology. The aim is to trace the history of the Canadian expeditionary forces Europe, until the liberation of Mons, narrated by the life sacrificed prism of George Price soldier (see elsewhere).

The overall objective is to create a true immersion in the lives of Canadian soldiers. performing artists also

will interact with the projection.

Mons, city with four masterpieces recognized by UNESCO

The City of Mons, population approximately 100,000, was officially designated the Cultural Capital of Wallonia in 2002 and the European Cultural Capital in 2015. It is a city that has considerable strengths in several areas.

Mons is the capital of the Province of Hainaut. As a university city, home to the Université de Mons, it is also the administrative and judicial centre for the province. Today the city has largely consolidated and developed its role in the province (country) as a focal point in terms of heritage, culture and tourism. The city is welcoming and has a thriving commercial area in both downtown Mons and the Grand Prés area. The walls of this historic city house several major historical heritage sites including St Waudru Collegiate Church, a gothic town hall and a baroque belfry. The belfry stands 87 meters high and is the only baroque belfry in Belgium. These sites are recognized as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. In addition to these sites, UNESCO also recognizes leading environmental accomplishments such as the mining at Neolithic Spiennes (SILEX’S).

Mon’s third masterpiece of world heritage is the festival of the Doudou. This historical event dates back to the fourteenth century. The event is derived from popular religious traditions. One religious tradition held annually on Trinity Sunday, is the Procession of the Car d’Or or Golden Chariot. Following the procession is the legendary battle called “Lumeçon”. This battle pits Saint George against a dragon. It is held in the centre of Mons in front of tens of thousands of spectators and is broadcast on local television.

Culturally, the performing arts are growing thanks to the cultural Center le Manège The fine arts centre is called BAM (should write out what acronym means). It offers world class art exhibitions recently showcasing works by Warhol and Van Gogh. Duesbeg Museum displays a variety of historical clocks that are envied around the world. The introduction of two new museums in 2015, the Mons Memorial Museum and the Doudou Museum or Arthothèque, have enriched the city’s museums. And, how can we forget the Mundaneum, commonly known as “A Paper Google” museum. It is a

repository for all paper knowledge and is another UNESCO Heritage site.

Beyond its cultural and historical attributes Mons is a city turned toward the future. The newly created Digital Innovation Valley has attracted companies such as Google, Microsoft and IBM. The INITIALIS Sciences Park, includes dozens of companies specializing in new technologies in biochemistry, telecommunications, civil engineering and computing. It hosts two research centres, built with backing from the University of Mons and The University of Louvain-la-Neuve.

Sunday program November 11, 2018At dawn

March of Remembrance

The aim of this walk is to follow the step of the Canadians soldiers from their arrival on the territory of Belgium to the liberation of the city of Mons. This activity is, as the walk of Nimègue, a performance of more than 25 kilometre to accomplish in the morning from Quiévrain to Mons. It is specially organised

for the military troops in Mons during the commemorations but also for the citizens who want to participate.

11:00 Commemorative ceremony at the Cemetery of Mons

Every year the city of Mons organized a ceremony at the municipal cemetery in honor of all the men who fell during the various world conflicts.

We wanted to organize our ceremonies in the afternoon to allow all persons to be present (the Belgian Federal Government organizes an Armistice Day ceremony on the same day at 11:00 am in Brussels).

15:30 Parade of liberation and memorial ceremony on the Main Square in Mons

As in November 1918, we want to offer a big parade with all Canadian regiments heirs of the regiments

that participated in the “Pursuit to Mons” to remember their passage on the Main Square.

The composition of the parade would be heterogeneous, first Canadian regiments followed by their regimental band and, successively, reenactors, the 5th Royal Lancer and a delegation of the Belgian

armed forces.

2 Million visitors in 2015!Mons 2015, European Capital of Culture, has been an undeniable success with more than 2 millions visitors and a remarkable qualitative success.

We note this exceptional year, the opening party on 24 January drew 100.000 people in Mons, as 455.000 people, including 180.000 for the Van Gogh exhibition, visited exhibitions and museums open Mons in early April 2015.

The attendance for project led by Mons 2015 is 2.136.700 people. Some 20.000 people participated in the closing ceremony on 12 December. 3.000 events!

Attendance at the Tourist Office « VisitMons » has increased by over 470% compared to 2014. Mons 2015 has programmed some 3000 events in and around Mons, including 48 cities and 50 partners’ institutions, 5000 artists including 1500 local artist have been engaged in various project.

Mons 2015 bounces also from autumn 2018 in the form of biennial. “The objective is to establish, for periods of three or four months, prestigious exhibitions in Mons, Theatre, music, popular culture, perpetuating what has been done in territories Mons, the Big Eight and the Great West, said Elio Di Rupo the mayor.

Saturday program November 10, 201810:00

Commemoration in Quiévrain

The municipality of Quiévrain first place stride by Canadian troops when they enter Belgian territory, wants to organize a commemoration and a parade with these regiments.

12 :00 Commemorative ceremony at the military cemetery of St-Symphorien

A ceremony organized jointly with the SHAPE [Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe] and the city of Mons, to remember the victims of the First World War, from the first to the last fallen soldier

Commonwealth.

15:00Opening ceremony of the commemorative monument to Price in Ville-sur-Haine

(Le Roeulx)

The town of Le Roeulx inaugurates a new memorial in honor of Price soldier near where he fall in 1918. A commemorative ceremony in his honor will be held on site.

17:00Commemorations in Casteau (Soignies)

The City of Soignies wants to organize a ceremony where Canadian troops stopped when the bell rang at the armistice November 11, 1918 at 11:00. This place is very symbolic because it is exactly where the first

skirmish between the British and the Germans broke out August 22, 1914.

20:00 Major concerts in Mons City center

When we speak of the Armistice and the liberation of our city, the first words that come to mind are those of the party. Therefore, we want to organize on the Main Square in Mons and around, the dances emphasizing Canadian artists. Two ambiances are envisaged: one in a deco type “guinguette” with French song imported

directly from Quebec; the second offering pop-rock concerts.

The commemoration of 2014In August 2014, the city of Mons has organized and collaborated on several commemorations on its territory. She gained excellent expertise in organizing such events. The qualities of organization and compliance were highlighted by all the stakeholders. Furthermore, the hosting of the citizens of Mons scored significantly the number of foreign visitor will gather in the footsteps of their forefathers.

The City also beyond commemorations highlighted its cultural activities in memory whether in schools, museums, libraries or cultural centre. It’s all a community that has engaged in projects related to the memory of the Great War.

Two events are significant: first the ceremony of 4 August at the military cemetery of St. Symphorien organized by the British Government. It was broadcast live on BBC and gathered the royal families of Britain and Belgium, as well as various representatives of the soldiers buried in the cemetery. On the other hand, the ceremony of 23 August organized by the City of Mons. It brought together several thousand people at the various commemorations, all ending with a “projection / mapping” on the main square in Mons recounting the story of a British soldier at the beginning of the Great War.

The commemorations of 2018Centenary of the Liberation of Mons by Canadians

In November 2018, the city of Mons, in collaboration with the municipalities of Quiévrain, of Roeulx and Soignies, wants to make an impression in worthily commemorating the centenary of its liberation by Canadian troops.

In 2015, Mons was European Capital of Culture and in 2018, the city will recreate the special atmosphere through a “cultural Biennale” prestigious exhibitions, cultural events, concerts, theater productions ... enliven three months festivities.

The commemorations of the liberation of Mons and the centenary of the Armistice enroll directly in this biennial, because the citizens of Mons wish to thank those who a century ago, fought risking their lives to defend our freedoms and our rights.

The wish of the city of Mons is to organize jointly with Canada and its people these commemorative festivities. Symbolically, Mons represents for the Commonwealth troops the beginning and end of the Great War. For Canada, the “The Pursuit to Mons” is the symbol of emancipation and of Canadian identity. We bet that these commemorations can be, for both of our nations, a special time of fellowship and communion of the people having the freedom enshrined in their veins.

The Canadian liberatorsDuring the last months of the war, Allied forces advancing on all fronts. Canadians deplore over 40,000 killed and wounded since August are approaching Mons. It’s called “The Hundred Days”, from August 4 to 11 November 1918, with the victorious thrust of Mons. The German army, though beaten, gives a hard rearguard battle by retreating to Mons. Canadian troops take Valenciennes after a costly two-day battle and finally reach the outskirts of Mons on 10 November. There are rumors that the war will end soon but General Currie ordered to take the city. So Canadian troops make their way to the morning of 11 November. Belgian civilians welcome them as liberators. Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie, Major-General Loomis and General Clark brigade will be made honorary citizens of the city of Mons to thank them for the liberation of the city.

November 15, 1918, a grand ceremony in honor of Canadian troops takes place on the main square in Mons where the Canadian Corps officers review the troops.

In 1998, William Fraser, former Canadian medic stretcher-bearer, is made honorary citizen of the city of Mons: he was the last survivor who participated in the liberation of the city.

The Mons Memorial Museum A place of history in the heart of a memory area

In the footsteps of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, come to discover the history of the Great War in Europe. November 11, 1918, Canadian troops liberate Mons ending more than a hundred days of offensive. A wind of freedom blowing across the city after four years of occupation. Mons becomes a symbol.

More than just an exhibition, the Mons Memorial Museum immerses you in the daily lives of men and women who lived through two world wars in Belgium, particularly in the region of Mons. The city experienced many battles in its history. In the twentieth century, its inhabitants have the two occasions, live under the yoke of occupation. On more than 3000m² dedicated to memory, hundreds of original pieces, authentic testimonies, audio, video and interactive content enlighten you on these difficult moments of our history.

Outstanding collections Mons preserves over 5,000 pieces of military history from the two world wars. 500 of them are related to the history of Canada in the Great War. Bequeathed by veterans or found on the battlefield, these objects unveil the harsh realities of war. The Mons Memorial Museum also keeps hundreds of photographs, posters and documents.

Some exceptional pieces Among the material evidence of the past include particularly symbolic pieces: the first headstone of Private George Price, the last Canadian killed in combat, a flag of the 3rd Canadian Division bequeathed by Major-General Loomis at the liberation of the city, the staff of flag of General Sir Arthur Currie, Canadian or drums bequeathed after the conflict.

The last gun of the Great War August 15, 1918, the Canadian Corps bequeathed to the city of Mons two canons. One of them exposed to the Mons Memorial Museum, took the last shot of the conflict. The other also participated in the recent artillery exchanges against the German army, in the evening of November 10, 1918.

George Lawrence Price, the lastGeorge Lawrence Price is born December 2, 1892 in Kings County, Nova Scotia. In the fall of 1917, he works as a farm laborer in the province of Saskatchewan when he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 15 October. He is 24 years old. After completing basic training in Regina, he is sent abroad and finally joins the 28th Canadian Infantry Battalion. He takes part in the fighting during the Allied offensives during the fall of 1918.

November 11, 1918, he is with other members of a company of the 28th battalion in the village of Havré (Mons). The patrol cross the Central Canal to arrive in the village of Ville-sur-Haine (Le Roeulx) to inspect some houses. George Price is shot by a German sniper while spring on the street. He dies just minutes before the official time of the Armistice, at 10:58. He is considered as the last Commonwealth soldier to be killed on the Western Front.

He is buried at the military cemetery of St. Symphorien. At the same place where he was killed, a monument is being redeveloped for commemorations of 2018. A school of Ville-sur-Haine was named “School George Price” in 2015.

Heritage of 1914-18 in MonsThe porch of City HallCommemorative plaque of the liberation of the city of Mons by Canadian troops the 11th of November 1918.

The military cemetery of St-SymphorienUnique ans symbolic place, this is where are buried the remains of the first British soldier and the soldier of the Commonwealth (the Canadian G. Price) died during the First World War. It also has the distinction of containing an almost equal number of British and German graves.

The military Cemetery of St-Symphorien was built by the Germans in 1916. The only requirement issued by the owner of the land was that this cemetery is for both nations that participated in the Battle of Mons 23 August 1914. This solution enabled to gather in the same necropolis all combatants, regardless of their nationality.

The communal cemeteryMons is in the hands of the German army from 23 August 1914 until his release by the Canadian corps the 11th of November 1918. In 1914, the military authority in place decided to create a northern extension of the communal cemetery of Mons.

In this extension will be buried the military victims of all nationalities. When the town was liberated, then Canadians decided to open a new cemetery, right front of it. All the bodies of the soldiers will be consolidated in the cemetery of Mons, reorganized after the war by two British architects Edwin Luytens and Sir William Harrison Cowlishaw.

The Bascule The memorial of the Bascule is that monument with two pilliars in memory to the victims of the Battle of Mons on 23 August 1914 and the liberation of the city the 11 November 1918.

The institute of Hygiene and Bacteriology A plaque shows the various bullet holes drawn by Canadian troops in the liberation of the city.

The heritage of 14-18 in Mons areaMonument of Casteau - Chaussée de Bruxelles 1 (Soignies)Monument of the stop of the Canadian troops after the liberation of the city of Mons the 11th November 1918.

Commemorative plaque of Georges Price

In 1958, Colonel Mc Intyre, who commanded the infantry battalion of George Price, erected a memorial plaque on the facade of the house in front of which Georges Price was killed. He is the last Commonwealth soldier fell under enemy fire of the Great War; he was shot two minutes before the end of the hostilities. In 1980, following the enlargement of the canal, the house was demolished and the plaque placed next to the new bridge named after George Price.

Commemorative Monument of Georges Price (under construction)At the initiative if the Municipal Authority if the City of Le Roeulx, a working group was set up in May 2014 to produce a new monument to the Canadian soldier picture protecting the local population. George Price is therefore also included an example of archetype in the sense that it alone represents the courage and determination of the soldiers came to fight sometimes to death on Belgian territory. By then, our whole Belgian community who recognizes this man a model fighting beyond the borders in order to guarantee a better future.

Because of these huge symbolic and emotional burdens carried by the figure of Privat Geroge Price, the city of Le Roeulx wants to continue to honour his memory by offering him a place worthy to homage of the great heroes of history and renewing completely is current memorial. Through this project, which would showing our gratitude to the Commonwealth commitment during the First World War, we strive to promote the memory if tourism participated duties of civic and educational enrichment while contributing to the economic and cultural vitality. The communal cemetery of Quiévrain

Quiévrain, on the border with France, is the first municipality of Belgium liberated by Canadian troops during the 1918 offensive. This cemetery brings the bodies of dozens of Canadians fell under enemy fire on 6 and 7 November some day before the Armistice.