On 27 November 1977, the military weapons ranges at CFB Chilliwack were dedicated in honour of Major General Christopher Vokes.
General Vokes started his career as Royal Canadian Engineer officer and, from 1924 to 1938, served in a variety of assignments in training, as District Engineer-Works and National Defence Headquarters staff. In December 1939, he was one of the first officers to go overseas where there followed a brilliant and highly decorated record of command of Canadian infantry and armoured units and formations in Sicily, Italy and Northwest Europe.
Late in 1941, he commanded the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry and later the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade in the Sicilian landings in July 1943. Upon promotion to major-general, he commanded the 1st Canadian Division in Italy. Late in 1944, he took command of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division in Holland and was in command on V-E Day. Shortly thereafter, he took command of the 3rd Canadian Division and commanded the Canadian Army Occupational Force in Northwest Europe.
After the war, Major-General Vokes was General Officer Commanding Central and Western Commands.
