Munro’s account is topped by a picture of Fulford and Purcell putting the first edition of The Canadian Press News together in the wee hours of April 27, 1942 after the national plebiscite on compulsory military service.    (CP FILES)                   

The Canadian Press distributes wartime news for troops overseas

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

It seemed an assignment more suited to a cub reporter, not the intrepid journalist who would become the national news service’s most celebrated war correspondent.

But then, this was The Canadian Press, for which no story was too small or too big, and there he was, Ross Munro, a man for all seasons, asking troops how they liked the first edition of The Canadian Press News, a weekly newsletter for Canadian servicemen and women overseas.

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Royal Canadian Regiment preparing an assault on the Boer Fortifications at the Modder River.[WIKIMEDIA]

The Battle of Paardeberg: a landmark engagement

STORY BY PAIGE JASMINE GILMAR

It’s the 124th anniversary of the Boer War’s Battle of Paardeberg. Not only was it a major British victory in what is also known as the South African War, but it was a landmark engagement for Canadian forces. It was the first time the country participated in a foreign conflict.

In 1899, the British called on the Canadians for reinforcements in the Boer War. Though Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier opposed the request, English Canada was resoundingly in favour, so a thousand volunteer soldiers were sent as part of the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.

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More from Military Milestones

• The Silver Dart: Canada’s first successful plane and the RCAF
• Cold War continental defence
• Remembering Canada’s first national aerobatics team—and its legendary aircraft

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