Canada Post celebrates Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 100th Anniversary with commemorative envelope

OTTAWA, March 17, 2014 /CNW/ - In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), today Canada Post released a commemorative envelope that celebrates the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the PPCLI. Rich visual heritage collected by the PPCLI Museum and Archives is used on the envelope to give life to history.

On August 6th, 1914 Canada accepted an offer from A. Hamilton Gault, a wealthy Canadian businessman, to raise and equip an infantry battalion for overseas service. Lieutenant-Colonel Francis D. Farquhar was selected to command the new battalion. The unit was designated as a regiment, and Farquhar suggested that it bear the name of the Governor General's youngest daughter, Princess Patricia of Connaught. The PPCLI was officially authorized as a regiment on the August 10, 1914. Recruiting was completed in eight days.

The large photograph on the envelope recalls the Regiment's early days; in it Princess Patricia presents a Wreath of Laurel for display on the Regimental Colours. The cancel features the letters and coronet from Princess Patricia's royal cypher. The Princess's two first names, Victoria Patricia are visible on both the stamp and the cancel shown as "VP".

The smaller photographs document the PPCLI's century of service. The back displays a painting that illustrates the Regiment's sacrifices at the Battle of Frezenberg during World War I.

8,000 envelopes were printed in recognition of the contributions to Canada made by the members of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

SOURCE: Canada Post

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