Maj. Percival William Anderson served six years in the 94th Victoria Regiment, Argyll Highlanders, which was the precursor to the Cape Breton Highlanders. GOVERNMENT OF CANADAArticle contentRoyal Canadian Legion branch 53 in Baddeck held a ceremony on July 17 recognizing its official new name, in honour of a local First World War hero.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentMaj. Percival Anderson was born in 1885 in Big Baddeck and became a farmer who was active in the local militia. He then served six years in the 94th Victoria Regiment, Argyll Highlanders, which was the precurser to the Cape Breton Highlanders.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentAt the start of the First World War, Anderson enlisted as a lieutenant in the 85th Battalion of the Nova Scotia Highlanders. As a captain, he went overseas with the 85th in 1916 and after training in England, he continued on to France, where he was promoted to the rank of acting major in 1917.Article content“I have no doubt that his roots, growing up on a farm and the eldest of eight, helped Percival develop the resiliency and work ethic that would one day be the foundation of his time in uniform,” said Maj. John Boudreau, deputy commanding officer of the Cape Breton Highlanders.Article contentAt the battle for Vimy Ridge, the 85th Battalion was tasked with capturing an enemy strongpoint on Hill 145, a dominating feature on the ridge. Anderson, who was in command of D Company, led his men and took their objective.Article content“They kept moving forward, driven by the presence and exhortations of Capt. Anderson, the importance of their mission and the need to not let their trench-mates down. The men of the 85th never slowed in their advance, fighting through their objective and beyond and took Hill 145 within one hour thereby putting the cap on the Canadian victory,” said Boudreau.Article contentArticle content“Capt. Anderson himself captured or eliminated several machine gun positions and later went into no man’s land, under heavy fire, to carry a wounded comrade to safety. For his leadership and bravery in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Military Cross. He received a promotion to major and continued his service with the 85th. Regrettably, this brave Highlander from Baddeck was killed within the year at the Battle of Passchendaele.”Article content‘IMPORTANT MILESTONE’Article contentA picture of Anderson and the story of his military journey has been represented for years on a wall in the Baddeck legion, and a focal point for teaching new members about local military history. Fittingly so they have renamed the branch to honour the local hero.Article content“On behalf of the residents of Victoria-The Lakes and the Province of Nova Scotia, I am pleased to extend sincere congratulations to the Royal Canadian Legion branch 53 Baddeck on the renaming the legion “The Maj. Percival Anderson Memorial” and as you celebrate 100 years of dedicated service to your country and community. As you mark this important milestone, we recognize the tribute and life of Maj. Percival Anderson who contributed an extraordinary service, imaginable courage at the Battle of Vimy Ridge and a long distinguished military career to his country,” said MLA for Victoria-The Lakes, Dianne Timmins, during the unveiling ceremony on July 17.
Cape Breton legion renamed in honour of Vimy Ridge hero
