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History lesson at Royal Roads on Thursday

It's been 100 years since the first gas attack of WW1, and Dr. Geoffrey Bird has recently toured the sites of that battle

On Thursday, May 7, associate professor Dr. Geoffry Bird is discussing one of the most tumultuous times in Victoria's history at a public forum at Royal Roads University.

On April 22, 1915, the first gas attack took place on the Western Front of World War 1, and the first time Canadians were in an offensive engagement in the battle. Two-thirds of those involved in the battle that night were killed, wounded or missing by morning, including many who called Southern Vancouver Island home.

Bird has recently returned from touring the sites alongside representatives of the Canadian regiments and the relatives of those who fought in that battle – a fight that still has significance to many Canadians today.

The talk is being held in the Quarterdeck of the Grant Building at 7 p.m., and admission is by donation to The Poppy Fund. Attendees are asked to register at cstudies.royalroads.ca.