Chilliwack – The CFB Chilliwack Historical Society has taken to Facebook to push for a name change to the new Vedder Bridge. One that would celebrate the military heritage of the original bridge, a military bailey bridge.
The CFB Chilliwack Historical Society proposes that we approach City Counsel and ask that the name be changed to “Mitchell Bridge”.
-“Mitchell, a Royal Canadian Engineer, earned the Victoria Cross during WWI saving a vital bridge so the Allies could continue the advance. While under fire, he and his men removed the explosives and captured or killed the defenders. After service in WWII, Mitchell served here as the Camp Chilliwack Commandant in 1946 – ’47. Originally, the entire Permanent Married Quarters which he orchestrated, were named after him. He was also instrumental in the construction of the All Sappers Memorial at the corner of Vedder Rd and Keith-Wilson. There are no more Canadian Victoria Cross winners alive in Canada.”
– respected words of Jim Harris, founder of CFB Chilliwack Historical Society.
