Thursday, April 16, 2009

Griesbach Parade


In memory of Major General William Antrobus Griesbach CB CMG DSO (3 January 1878 - 21 January 1945) was a Canadian politician, decorated soldier, mayor of Edmonton, and member of the Canadian House of Commons and Senate of Canada.

In 1906, Griesbach was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 19th Alberta Dragoons. He was promoted to Captain in 1907

When World War I broke out, the Dragoons volunteered as a unit. In December of that year, Griesbach was promoted to Major assigned to command the 49th Battalion. He was able to recruit one thousand men in eight days in January, 1915. The unit served in various engagements, including the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Battle of Arras, the Battle of Passchendaele, and the liberation of Mons. In 1917, Griesbach was promoted to Brigadier-General and assigned command of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 1st Canadian Division.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order twice and the Victorian Decoration for long service. He was also made a companion of the Order of Bath and a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. After the war, he was made Inspector General of the Canadian Army for Western Canada, and was promoted to Major-General.

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