The preservation of a London landmark and a piece of Second World War history is the focus of a new local fundraiser.
The 1st Hussars of London announced on Thursday that they have launched fundraising efforts to preserve the Holy Roller Sherman tank memorial located in Victoria Park.
The 1st Hussars said the tank has fallen into "grave disrepair" after sustained exposure to the elements and the passage of time.
"It is rusting from the inside out. Funds are needed to preserve the tank and fix the base," the 1st Hussars said in a news release.
The regiment is hoping to raise $250,000 with funds also going towards an educational campaign to raise awareness of the historical significance of the tank and the 1st Hussars in London.
“London has local veterans and residents whose family members put themselves in harm’s way during the war,” said 1st Hussars Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Allan Finney in a news release. “By donating to the Holy Roller Memorial Preservation Project, Londoners can ensure future generations can visit the memorial to remember this piece of history and the people who were a part of it.”
The invasion of Nazi-occupied France by Allied forces, including 14,000 Canadians, led to the end of the Second World War. Nearly 360 Canadian soldiers were killed on D-Day.
The Holy Roller itself landed with the 1st Hussars regiment at Juno Beach, France, on June 6, 1944 to assist in the Allies liberation of France, Belgium and Holland. The tank arrived roughly 45 minutes after the first assault troops went in.
The Holy Roller was one of only two Canadian tanks to survive the conflict. It arrived back in Canada in May 1946 and was placed in Victoria Park in 1956.
“The Holy Roller memorial will be a place where people can sit and reflect on this important part of our history," added Lt. Col. Finney. "This project is not only about preserving the tank, it’s about raising awareness of the contributions of London area residents during WWII.”
The fundraising campaign will run until June 2022 and is currently being held digitally due to the pandemic with donations being accepted online or by calling (226) 926-7605. The donation website can be found by clicking here.
Once the repairs are completed, the renewed tank will be unveiled during the 1st Hussars’ 150th-anniversary celebrations in the spring of 2022.
-With files from Miranda Chant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpA4w9LbLqQ&feature=youtu.be