Vancouver Island Military Museum Society
100 Cameron Rd V9R 0C8 Nanaimo, BC, Canada

The Military Museum is now Open, COVID restrictions are in place and a face mask is required. We have been working hard during the closure and have several new displays. Look forward to seeing you soon.

We will remember them!!

This is the gun that we have in the parking lot. The one that came from HMCS Nanaimo!

Canadians vs Americans!

We have passed over 400 members! Keep spreading the word about our Project '44 community and keep it growing!We have passed over 400 members! Keep spreading the word about our Project '44 community and keep it growing!

Our Vimy Memorial piece is done! Super happy with the finished first mural and looking forward to many more with Royal Canadian Legion Mt Benson Branch 256. Thi...s long wall features the Vimy Memorial, a Spitfire flyover, 92 poppies, and a sunrise Reveille. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was part of the Battle of Arras, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France, during the First World War. The assault on Vimy Ridge began at 5:30 am on April 9, 1917. It was the first occasion on which all four divisions of the Canadian Corps attacked as a composite formation. Though the victory at Vimy came swiftly, it did not come without cost. There were 3,598 dead out of 10,602 Canadian casualties. In 1922, use of the land, for the battlefield park which contains the Canadian National Vimy Memorial was granted for all time by the French nation to the people of Canada. Designed by Canadian sculptor and architect Walter Seymour Allward, the Vimy Memorial does more than mark the site of the great Canadian victory of the First World War. It stands as a tribute to all who served their country in battle and risked or gave their lives in that four-year struggle. Inscribed on the ramparts of the Memorial are the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers who were posted "missing, presumed dead" in France. Source: https://www.veterans.gc.ca//first-world/france/vimy/battle

I miss Old Jim - RIP

As promised, here is the first trailer for our Facebook page. We hope you enjoy it!

A nice visit to our neighbor Vancouver Island Military Museum. If you are in their area check them out! #cfbchilliwackhistoricalsociety #chilliwackmilitarymuseum #honor #chimo #navy #army #airforce #vancouverislandmilitarymuseum

August 19, 1942. The most tragic day of World War II for Canada. A day that must continue to be remembered. On this day at beaches in front of Dieppe and nearby... 4,963 Canadian troops were involved in an ill-conceived raid. By the time the raiding force withdrew, 3,367 were casualties--just shy of 68% of the entire Canadian force. 913 Canadians died in combat, 1,946 were taken prisoner--of whom at least 568 were wounded. Of the 586 wounded returned to England, 28 subsequently died. British Army losses totalled 175 with 14 of these dying. Fifty U.S. Rangers present suffered 22% losses with 3 killed, 3 taken prisoner and 5 wounded. Naval losses were 550 men killed or wounded with 75 either killed or succumbing to wounds and 269 listed as missing or captured. The Royal Air Force, fighting the single largest daytime air battle of the war, suffered its heaviest losses. A total of 106 aircraft were lost, 98 being fighters or reconnaissance aircraft. Sixty-seven airmen were listed killed or presumed dead. This included 10 RCAF pilots. My book Tragedy at Dieppe was written as a tribute to all those brave young men who served their countries with valour despite the hopelessness of the raid itself. See more

Never forget that the British Empire/Commonwealth had more forces deployed during WWII than the Americans did until late in 1945.

A selection of WW1 Memorial Plaques from the long weekend collection. Will be added to the website once research is completed. www.thecanadiansoldier.com

#DYK that threats to British shipping inspired the development of Tiger Moths in Canada during the Second World War? The museum has what appears to be the last surviving example of its replacement: the Menasco Moth. #WW2 #avgeeks

Women placing flowers on the graves of Canadian soldiers, Bergen-op-Zoom, Netherlands, 5 May 1946. https://amzn.to/30rILy4

Troopers of The Ontario Regiment moving forward, Atessa, Italy, 21 February 1944. https://amzn.to/33u62Bx

Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded after the Defence of Rorke's Drift. It remains the most Victoria Crosses that have ever been awarded in a single action. Watch: The Anglo-Zulu War historyhit.com/zulu

Meaning no disrespect for the tragedy in Beirut but it is eerily similar to Halifax in 1917.

Interesting....

Please note that we are following Covid-19 protocols. Please wear a mask when visiting.

RCN tribute to The Battle of the Atlantic

RCN tribute to the Battle of the Atlantic

One of Canada’s most decorated war heroes. He will be remembered!

Interesting information. Note: The Canadian Army has largely reverted to this system recently. Honouring the soldiers that came before.

The end of an era ... she will be missed ...

Great news, history buffs, our museum is once again open to the public. We are following all the Covid 19 protocols, so please wear a mask when visiting. Stay safe!

Vancouver Island Military Museum is re-opening on Monday June 15!! Wear a mask - keep safe.