CP commemorates the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

CALGARY, April 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific today commemorated the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the ultimate sacrifice made by more than 3,500 Canadians in a military victory that many consider a defining moment in the history of the country.

CP put the resources of its entire globe-spanning freight and travel system at the disposal of the British Empire and allies at the outset of the war, contributing not only tracks and trains, but its ships, yards, shops, hotels, telegraph lines and – above all else – its people. Some 11,340 CP employees enlisted with a stunning 1,116 railroaders losing their lives and another 20 percent wounded before the end of the war.

"I salute the thousands of Canadians and CP railroaders who served then and the many men and women of CP who serve their country still," said CP President and CEO Keith Creel. "Many Canadians paid a terrible price for this historic victory at Vimy, and I am humbled and honoured to be part of a company that has contributed so much to protecting the people and values we all hold so dear."

During the war, two CP employees received the Victoria Cross – the highest award in the United Kingdom – for gallantry "in the face of the enemy," and 385 others were decorated for valor and distinguished service.

As part of its effort, CP also organized the first battalion of Canadian Overseas Railway Construction Corps (CORCC) to build and run railways through Europe during the war.

To learn more about CP's contributions to Canada's war efforts, please click here.

About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of CP.

SOURCE Canadian Pacific