Canadian War Museum successful in its bid to acquire the Royal Canadian Legion Vimy Pilgrimage Medal worn by King Edward VIII at auction

Posted on: 01/12/2010

Canadian War Museum successful in its bid to acquire the
Royal Canadian Legion Vimy Pilgrimage Medal worn by King Edward VIII at auction

Ottawa, Ontario, November 30, 2010 — The Canadian War Museum is delighted to announce its successful purchase at auction today of the Royal Canadian Legion Vimy Pilgrimage Medal worn by King Edward VIII when unveiling the Vimy Memorial on July 26, 1936. The medallion was purchased for £12,500 (approximately $20,000), with the support of the Vimy Foundation. 

“The Vimy Medallion worn by Edward VIII is symbolic of the King’s admiration and respect for Canada’s great achievement and sacrifice at Vimy Ridge,” said Mark O’Neill, Director General of the Canadian War Museum. “It is a direct link to the unveiling of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, a tribute to all who served their country in battle in that four-year struggle and particularly to those who gave their lives.”   

All Canadian veterans and their families were given the Vimy Pilgrimage Medal provided by the Royal Canadian Legion and produced by the well-known badge maker J.R. Gaunt & Son. It should be noted that the object is an official medal issued by the government, but was provided to participants to mark their involvement in a momentous occasion. During the unveiling, King Edward VIII wore one on his suit, which was later specifically commented on by one of the participants.

In his December 1936 article in the Canadian Geographic Journal, author W.W. Murray noted that: “His majesty was dressed in formal morning attire. On his left breast he wore the many decorations and war service medals he earned two decades ago, and on the right lapel the Vimy Pilgrimage badge. This was noted keenly by the pilgrims, who were not lacking in appreciation of this evidence of royal thoughtfulness.”

The Royal Canadian Legion Vimy Pilgrimage Medal worn by King Edward VIII was purchased with the generous financial assistance of the Vimy Foundation. The Vimy Foundation seeks to preserve and promote Canada’s First World War legacy as symbolized by the victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917, a milestone where Canada came of age and was then recognized on the world stage.

Andrew Powell, Founder and President Emeritus of the Vimy Foundation, stated, “The key to a successful future lies in knowing one’s past, and the remarkable story of Vimy should be shared with young people from across the country. This is why the Vimy Foundation supported the Canadian War Museum in its bid to acquire this important object as part of the national heritage of all Canadians.” Mark O’Neill added, “We are grateful to the Vimy Foundation for its significant contribution.”

The Vimy Foundation received special donations for this purchase from Andrew Powell and John McCall MacBain.

The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history. Its mission is to promote public understanding of Canada’s military history in its personal, national and international dimensions.

Media Information:

Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-71