Canadian War Museum opens new exhibition to mark last 100 days of WW1

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Hundred Days campaign (August 8 to November 11, 1918) contributed decisively to ending the First World War. One hundred years later, the Canadian War Museum will conclude its commemoration of the First World War Centenary with Victory 1918 – The Last 100 Days.

Developed by the War Museum with the generous support of John and Elizabeth Irving, the exhibition is a powerful and evocative exploration of the critical role the Canadian Corps played in the series of battles that led to the Allied victory.

“Many historians consider the battles of the Hundred Days campaign to be some of the greatest victories of the First World War,” said Mark O’Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History. “Victory 1918 sheds light on the important role played by Canadians in the final days of the war, along with the triumphs and terrible costs that continue to reverberate 100 years later.”

Curated by Dr. Tim Cook and Dr. Jack Granatstein, two of Canada’s best-known military historians, this new exhibition weaves artworks, artifacts, documents, film and photographs together with the powerful stories of Canadians who participated in this costly combat.

Visitors will follow the Canadian Corps through a chronological series of battles in France: Amiens (August 8 to 11), Arras (August 26 to September 2), Cambrai (September 27 to October 9), and the final drive ending in Mons, Belgium (October 10 to November 11). The final section explores the soldiers’ return to Canada and the legacy of the war.

The exhibition also includes educational programming in the Eaton Activity Hub, where visitors are invited to explore the evolution and success of military tactics through interactive elements and guided activities.

Each battle is presented through personal artifacts, evocative reconstructions, compelling images and archival footage. Newly colourized photographs and archival films, along with compelling audiovisuals and soundscapes, bring fresh life to the faces of war.

Victory 1918 – The Last 100 Days is also supported by Dr. John Scott Cowan and the Sir Joseph Flavelle Foundation. The Canadian Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of its Official Partners of the First World War Centenary: John and Pattie Cleghorn and Family; HCol (Ret’d) John C. Eaton, O.Ont, K.St.J., D.Com. and HCol (Ret’d) Sally Horsfall Eaton, S.S.St.J., C.D., R.N., LL.D.; the Friends of the Canadian War Museum; VISITFLANDERS and the R. Howard Webster Foundation.

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. Work of the Canadian War Museum is made possible in part through financial support of the Government of Canada.