May 8, 2015
Ottawa - Today, exactly 100 years after its first great battle of the First World War, approximately 150 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI) commemorated a century of PPCLI service to Canada by: re-dedicating a refurbished memorial to the Battle of Frezenberg; conducting a Freedom of the City Parade in Ypres; and participating in a service at Menin Gate in Belgium.
One hundred years ago, the PPCLI, having fought fiercely throughout the Second Battle of Ypres, made its stand at Frezenberg, Belgium. The PPCLI held the line but at the terrible cost of losing most of “The Originals” – the soldiers who first signed up when the regiment was raised.
“The Battle of Frezenberg forged the regiment as a combat effective force. Despite great losses, the soldiers fought bravely that day as they found themselvesholding the line. Today’s soldiers of the PPCLI carry on this distinguished legacy and they, like those who fought before them, are strong, proud, and ready for another century of service.”
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army
Captain Brian Kominar
Public Affairs Officer
1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
Phone: 780-233-5138
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
