Griesbach Road was dedicated to Major-General Griesbach by Edmonton’s former Canadian Forces Base (Griesbach Barracks) on September 8, 1992.
Major-General Griesbach was born in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan on January 3, 1878, son of Colonel Henry Arthur. His military career began when he enlisted as a trooper for active service in the South African War on December 28, 1899, and earned the Queen’s medal and four bars for his service there. In 1907, he became mayor of Edmonton. He achieved the rank of lieutenant in 1906, captain in 1908, and major in the 19th Alberta Dragoons in 1914.
When the First World War broke out in August 1914, Major Griesbach volunteered for the 1st Divisional Cavalry Squadron of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Shortly after reaching England, he was recalled to Canada and given command of an infantry battalion to be raised from the Edmonton area - the 49th Battalion. Led by Colonel W.A. Griesbach, the 49th Battalion was called to various engagements overseas, including the attack on Vimy Ridge, the defense of Arras and operations at Passchendaele and Mons. In September, 1921, he was promoted to Major-General, and the same month appointed to the Canadian Senate, a post he held until his death on January 21, 1945. He was given a full military funeral.
