Julian Byng, 1st Viscount Byng of Vimy

Byng of Vimy, Julian Hedworth George, Viscount
Julian Hedworth George Byng of Vimy, Viscount, governor general of Canada, 1921-26 (b at Wrotham Park, Eng 11 Sept 1862; d at Thorpe-le-Soken, Eng 6 June 1935). A British aristocrat and cavalry officer, Byng was appointed to command the Canadian Corps in May 1916. He directed it in the attack on VIMY RIDGE in Apr 1917 and was promoted to command the British 3rd Army. In 1921, the first time the Canadian government was formally consulted about the selection of a governor general, Byng was a prominent nominee. But PM Arthur MEIGHEN preferred someone of civilian experience. Byng was finally chosen because he was willing and available. In Apr 1926 PM Mackenzie KING pronounced Byng the ideal governor; in June, however, Byng refused King's request for a dissolution of Parliament, precipitating the KING-BYNG AFFAIR. Byng had acted honestly and (in the view of most constitutional experts) correctly, but he departed from Canada under a shadow. His last major appointment was as chief commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, 1928-31. Byng's wife Evelyn wrote movingly about Canada in Up the Stream of Time (1945). In 1925 she donated the LADY BYNG TROPHY, the National Hockey League's award for sportsmanship combined with excellence.

Author O.A. COOKE AND NORMAN HILLMER

Links to Other Sites
Historica-Dominion Institute
The website for the Historica-Dominion Institute, parent organization of The Canadian Encyclopedia and the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Check out their extensive online feature about the War of 1812, the "Heritage Minutes" video collection, and many other interactive resources concerning Canadian history, culture, and heritage.

The Battle of Mount Sorrel
A brief description of the Battle of Mount Sorrel, accompanied by a map of troop positions during the conflict. From the Canadian War Museum.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge
This site offers a brief account of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. From Veterans Affairs Canada.