Arthur Currie

General Sir Arthur William Currie (5 December 1875 - 30 November 1933) was a Canadian Army officer who fought in World War I. He had the unique distinction of beginning his military career as a pre-war militia gunner before rising through the ranks to become the first Canadian commander of the Canadian Corps. Currie's success stemmed from his ability to quickly adapt brigade tactics to the demands of trench warfare, employing set piece operations and bite-and-hold tactics. He is widely regarded as one of the most capable Western Front commanders and one of the greatest commanders in Canadian military history.

Currie began his military career as a part-time soldier in the Canadian militia in 1897, while also working as a teacher, insurance salesman, and real estate speculator. Currie rose quickly through the ranks, becoming an officer in 1900, captain in 1901, major in 1906, and artillery regimental commander in 1909. Currie accepted command of the newly formed Gordon Highlanders of Canada 50th Regiment in 1913. Currie was in debt after a real estate crash in Victoria, so he embezzled $10,000 earmarked for regimental uniforms into his personal accounts to pay off his debts. When the First World War broke out, Currie was appointed commander of the 2nd Canadian Brigade by Canadian Minister of Militia Sam Hughes. Currie was promoted to major-general and commander of the 1st Canadian Division after the Second Battle of Ypres. Following the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Julian Byng, commander of the Canadian Corps, was promoted to general, and Currie, commander of the 1st Canadian Division, was promoted to lieutenant-general and assumed command of the Canadian Corps. Currie was promoted to general and appointed Inspector General of the Canadian Army upon his return to Canada. Despite having only a high school diploma, Currie was appointed principal and vice-chancellor of McGill University in 1920, a position he held until his death in 1933.