On This Date

1 June 1876 The Royal Military College of Canada opens in Kingston, Ont., with a class of 18 cadets. 2 June 1916 Canadian positions are

1 May 1918 Private Robert Cruickshank is awarded the Victoria Cross for heroic actions under heavy fire east of the Jordan River in Palestine. 2-3

1 April 1924 The Royal Canadian Air Force is created. 2 April 1885 Cree warriors, led by war chief Wandering Spirit, kill nine settlers at

1 March 1945 Major Frederick Tilston leads an attack on the Hochwald Forest in Germany. Seriously wounded in an enemy counterattack, he refuses medical aid and defends his company’s position until his troops are secure.

1 February 1968 The Unification Act comes into effect, unifying the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force into a single organization

1 January 1916 In his New Years’ message, Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden announces the country’s goal to place 500,000 men in uniform. 2 January