Canada 20 Dollars Gold-Plated Coin 2015 The Battle of Neuve-Chapelle
First World War Battlefront Series
Design: The reverse design by Canadian artist Joel Kimmel is a finely detailed depiction of Canadian soldiers in action during the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle. In the centre, an 18-pounder field gun is manned by three Canadian gunners; billowing clouds fill the air to the right, from the ongoing bombardment, while ammunition on the ground to the left are a reminder of the constant nature of the initial artillery attack. Behind them, a sergeant stands and observes the accuracy of the shot's trajectory through binoculars. The lower portion of this poignant image is framed by a banner; in its centre, selective gold plating showcases the winged figure of "Victory," as it appeared on the Victory Medal that was awarded to the allied soldiers of the First World War. Patterned after a 19th century French medal, this bronze-lacquered copper medal was awarded in 1919 to all ranks of the Allied forces who served in the First World War—including 351,289 members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF).
The effigy of King George V by Sir E. B. MacKennal, who was the reigning monarch at the time, is found on the obverse.
Mintage: 10000
Composition: 99.99% pure silver with selective gold plating
Finish: proof
Weight: 31.39 g
Diameter: 38 mm
Edge: serrated
Face value: 20 Canadian Dollars.
Artist: Joel Kimmel (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)
Manufacturer: Royal Canadian Mint.
"Our men in the trenches describe this fire as being the most tremendous both on point of noise and in actual effect they have ever seen or heard." - Ernest Swinton
At 7:30 a.m. on March 10, 1915, the offensive began. In an effort to tie down enemy troops on the left flank of the British assault, Canadian guns located between Fleurbaix and Laventie began shelling the enemy's front lines. By 9 a.m., British troops had captured Neuve-Chapelle, but the destruction of communication lines halted their progress as they waited for the order to advance. Attacks and counter-attacks waged on through March 11th and 12th, with little new ground gained. A shortage of ammunition also hampered efforts, limiting the amount of retaliatory fire which the Canadian and British gunners could fire in support of the infantry. Finally on March 13th, the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle was postponed then halted. The Allies had gained a 2-kilometre advance, but at the cost of 12,892 Allied men including 100 Canadians. While Canada's role at Neuve-Chapelle was a supportive one, providing a feint to the British assault, it nonetheless proved to be a valuable learning experience for the men of the CEF. Coming under fire, these citizen soldiers were steadfast despite being newcomers to trench warfare. Canadians had proved their mettle in this initial outing, and would only add to that reputation six weeks later with their remarkable courage at Ypres. A poignant commemoration of the contributions made by members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) at the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle in 1915 during the First World War.
• The Battle of Neuve-Chapelle was the first British-planned offensive of the First World War. • The original plan had called for the French to lead an offensive at nearby Vimy Ridge — a battleground that would prove to be pivotal for Canadians later in the war.
• The bombardment on the morning of March 10 was one of the First World War's most intensive; in fact, the Allies used more shells within that hour than had been used through the entire Boer War!
• Only 70 metres separated the Allies from the enemy line at Neuve-Chapelle.
• Neuve-Chapelle also marked the first time that aircraft were used to gather intelligence through aerial photography, and for bombing enemy lines.
