March 6, 2014 – Gatineau, QC – Library and Archives Canada
The Acting Librarian and Archivist of Canada, Hervé Déry, hosted the German Ambassador to Canada and the President of Germany’s federal archives (Das Bundesarchiv) today to mark the official transfer to Germany of a collection of German documents from the First World War.
The German delegation visited Library and Archives Canada’s Preservation Centre before participating in a small ceremony to commemorate the official transfer.
The military records were initially requested from British army headquarters in 1917 by officials at the Canadian War Records Office (CWRO) in London, England. Upon receiving them, the CWRO shipped the records to Ottawa. Described as “captured German documents," the bundled documents were later entrusted to the care and custody of the Public Archives of Canada in 1962.
The documents will be stored at the German Embassy in Ottawa before they make their way to Das Bundesarchiv in the coming weeks.
Included are unique documents that provide insight into certain German battalions and their involvement in the war and also includes postcards and personal journals.
Media Relations
Richard Provencher
Library and Archives Canada
613-894-7509![]( "Call: 613-894-7509")
MEDIA@bac-lac.gc.ca
Dr. Martin Schurig
Communication and Culture
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
613-780-1525
pr-1@otta.auswaertiges-amt.de
About Library and Archives Canada
The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Stay connected with Library and Archives Canada on Twitter (@LibraryArchives), Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.
Hervé Déry, Acting Librarian and Archivist of Canada—Library and Archives Canada and Dr. Michael Hollman, President—Das Bundesarchiv
