Remembrance: Scrapbook | Canadian War Museum

Private Ethelbert “Curley” Christian served with the 108^th and 78^th battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World War. On 9 April 1917, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, he was hit by shellfire and became trapped under debris for two days before he was found. His resulting injuries were so severe and infected that all four of his limbs were amputated.

Later, Christian settled in Toronto, Ontario and became an advocate for wounded veterans. He was the only Canadian quadruple amputee to survive the war.

Christian participated in the pilgrimage to France for the unveiling of the Vimy Memorial in July 1936. During the ceremony, he met King Edward VIII. He later created this scrapbook packed with newspaper clippings, ticket stubs, and other mementos to remember the trip.

Date Made 1936

Object No. 20160159-001

Associated Persons

Private Ethelbert “Curley” Christian

Materials Paper

Institution Canadian War Museum

Collection George Metcalf Archival Collection

Clockwise from top left:

“GOODBYE CANADA, HELLO, FRANCE!”
He lost both arms and legs at Vimy, but Curley Christian, Toronto, shown in the left picture, will be there with other veterans for the unveiling of the Canadian war memorial. His legs are artificial. With him at the head of the gangway of the liner Montrose, in which he sailed, is Sister Laura Thompson, Canadian nurse, now a nursing sister aboard the Montrose. She was Curley’s nurse while he was in hospital in England. Pictured at the right is Evelyn Roberts, of Detroit, whose father is a veteran of the 38^th Battalion, C.E.F. They, with Mrs. Roberts, sailed on the Montrose.

O LORD OF ALL LIFE
By W. J. Johnston, Renfrew, Ontario

Verse I

O, Lord of all Life, who can see in all hearts
The cause of our strife when love departs.
Show us, O, Lord this day; Teach us O, Lord to pray.
In our hearts we may perceive Thy Holy way.
Bravely to thee Lord, I carry my load.
Darkness descends on life’s grim Road.
Thou art the help; Thou art the Light —
Help us O, Father, guide us aright.

Verse II

O, Lord of all Life; at the end of the day;
When all care has ceased, I’ll not delay.
My faith by call exposed, when eyes by death are closed.
I shall see in my belief where faith reposed.
My soul then praise the Heavenly King.
To Thy great Name, Lord, let us sing —
Eternal Thou art; One God alone —
Praised be Thy Kingdom, Blest be Thy Throne.

Verse III

O, Lord of all Life; at Canada’s own Shrine
We ask Thee for help, Guidance divine,
The Holy Faith to keep, with sacred dead that sleep
In the Peace, beyond the Storm — silent and deep.
Rejoice ye that weep; in hearts that are sore.
Darkness is past, Dawn comes once more;
In God lies the help, when care shall cease —
Rest of the armies, in war and peace.

CANADIAN PACIFIC “MONTROSE”
First Sitting
Dining Room — Forward
Table 33, No. 207
Breakfast – – 8:00 a.m.
Luncheon – – 12:30 p.m.
Dinner – – 7:00 p.m.

CANADIAN PACIFIC “MONTROSE”
First Sitting
Dining Room — Forward
Table 33, No. 187
Breakfast – – 8:00 a.m.
Luncheon – – 12:30 p.m.
Dinner – – 7:00 p.m.