During World War I, Julian Byng man was a cavalry officer who was appointed the commander of the Canadian Corps. He directed the charge against Vimy Ridge, a battle won by Canadians.
The appointment of Lord Byng in 1921 was the first time the British government had formally consulted Canada before sending out a governor general.
Prime Minister Arthur Meighen wanted a civilian in the role, but Byng was appointed for reasons of availability. The next prime minister, Mackenzie King, liked Byng at first, but in 1926 a set-to ensued between them.
In power with a minority government, Mackenzie King asked Byng to dissolve parliament so a new election could be held. Byng refused because there was a motion of censure under debate in the House at the time, and there was no constitutional precedent for a dissolution when this type of motion was on the floor. The Prime Minisher was obliged to resign, and Byng asked Conservative leader Meighen to form a government. At the next election later that same year, the Liberals were returned to power once more. Under Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, the Liberals retained power till 1930.
The King-Byng affair, a perceived interference in the governing of the country caused bitterly hard feelings, and eventually led to changes in the role of the governor general in Canada and other Dominions. Meanwhile, Byng completed his term of office and left the country the same year under a cloud of disapproval. The King Byng affair was recapped on CBC Radio in 2010.
In West Point Grey in the City of Vancouver, a public swimming pool and a secondary school named after Lord Byng.
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