Beatty Street Drill Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beatty Street Drill Hall |
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Beatty Street Drill Hall
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| General information | |
| Type | Drill Hall / armoury |
| Address | 620 Beatty Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 2L9 |
| Current tenants | The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) |
| Inaugurated | 30 September 1901 |
| Owner | Canadian Forces |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | T.W. Fuller |
| Designations | Recognized Federal Heritage Building |
The Beatty Street Drill Hall is a special building in Vancouver, British Columbia. It serves as an armoury, which is like a home base for military units. This historic building is where The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) is based. This regiment is a reserve unit, meaning its members are part-time soldiers. It is the oldest military unit in Vancouver and the most senior militia in British Columbia.
Building Design and Features
The Beatty Street Drill Hall was designed by architect T.W. Fuller. It officially opened on September 30, 1901. The Duke of Cornwall, who later became King George V, was there for the opening.
This building looks a bit like a castle. It has two large, castle-like towers with battlements on top. Battlements are the notched walls you often see on old castles. Outside, there are also two tanks and a large gun, which show its military purpose.
The Drill Hall is a well-known landmark in Vancouver. It is recognized as a very important heritage building. The walls of the building are incredibly thick, about three and a half feet! It stands on huge blocks of granite. The decorative stone trim and the top part of the wall were made from limestone from Gabriola Island.
Inside the Drill Hall, there is a large open space called a parade square. This is where soldiers can practice their drills and movements. The building also has offices and storage rooms for military equipment.
Remembering Heroes
Many memorials are found at the Beatty Street Drill Hall. These memorials help us remember the brave soldiers who served.
A stone monument honors local soldiers who died in the First and Second World Wars. It also remembers veterans from the Korean War and those who served in peacekeeping missions. In 1970, Dutch Canadians in Vancouver gave a special plaque. This copper plaque thanks the B.C. Regiment for helping to free Holland during the 1944-1945 campaign.
There is also a wooden Celtic cross. This cross remembers the officers and soldiers who bravely fought and died at Vimy Ridge. Another plaque honors the men of the 28th Canadian Armoured Regiment who died during the Second World War. A plaque also remembers members of the 6th Regiment Duke of Connaught's Own Rifles who lost their lives in the South African War (1899-1902).
A plaque was dedicated to Lt. Colonel George McSpadden and the heroes of the 11th Regiment Irish Fusiliers of Canada. On October 17, 1994, a plaque was put up to celebrate the special connection between HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) (a Canadian Navy ship) and the B.C. Regiment.
Regimental Museum
The Regimental Museum of the BC Regiment is located inside the Beatty Street Drill Hall. This museum is in Metro Vancouver. It has many interesting military displays that show the history of the regiment, going all the way back to 1883.
At the museum, you can see old uniforms, weapons, and medals. There are also many photographs that tell the story of The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) and the Drill Hall itself. The museum was started in 1982. It is usually open to the public on Wednesdays.
Besides the BC Regiment, a cadet group called the 2290 British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) Cadet Corps also meets and trains at the armoury.
See also
