CME:
The CME Museum holds over 9,000 photos from the history of the Canadian Engineers and over 10,000 reference books and training manuals for research purposes. There are many personal diaries and all of the World War II War Diaries from Engineer units detailing day to day operations at that time. The research library is open to the public for research or reading for interest.
Collections
EARLY CANADA (PRE-1800S)
This period of Canada’s history is shown through maps of each Province with accompanying detailed story boards and artefacts of the era. There are also drawings, drafted plans, and photos of forts built by Engineers including the Citadel in Nova Scotia.
PRE WW I
There is an excellent display showing a Forester at work in his workshop manufacturing axe handles and using the hand tools available at the turn of the Century. All are authentic tools of the day.
WW I
Life in the Trenches is the focus here. The displays include two dispatch riders, a wonderful collection of “trench art,” and a very detailed display of how a Canadian soldier lived and fought during WW1 in the trenches. The CME Museum also proudly holds the only Victoria Cross won by an Engineer, Captain Coulson Norman Mitchell, VC, MC, and both the medal and the story of how it was won are on display for viewing.
WW II
There is an extensive uniform and weapons collection covering this period within the Museum.
Korea
The Museum is fortunate to have a small group of volunteers dedicated to developing and maintaining the Engineer Branch involvement in the Korean War. A detailed history complete with artifacts and photos can be found here.
UN
The United Nations display covers much of the significant Engineer involvement on UN operations throughout the world.
Airborne
This display is presented to show the significant contribution made by Airborne Engineers throughout the Canadian Airborne history.
WOMEN IN THE MILITARY
This display is a work in progress. It’s goal is to outline the contributions by and achievements of women to the Engineer Branch and through times of crisis
WEAPONS
The CME Museum holds over 200 weapons dating from the 1700’s to present day with all in working order. The weapon types range from pistols and flare guns, to rifles and machine guns. There are also a considerable number of various bayonets and swords.
ART
There is a substantial collection of war art housed within the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering and the CME Museum. Portraits, murals, sketches, oils, and more are everywhere within the facility. It will take more than one visit to see them all.
FAQ
1. What is a Military Engineer?
"He is a man [and now woman] of all work of the army and the public: astronomer, geologist, surveyor, draftsman, artist, architect, traveler, explorer, antiquary, mechanic, diver, soldier and sailor; ready to do anything or go anywhere; in short, he is a sapper." Capt T.W.J. Connolly, Royal Engineer Historian (1815-1885).
2. What is a Sapper?
3. What do the Military Engineers do?
4. Where do the Engineers come from?
5. Who are the Military Engineers?
6. What is the history of the Canadian Military Engineers?
7. Have any Engineers won the Victoria Cross?
Answers are on the museum's website |
forces.gc.ca