The Battle of Vimy Ridge, an event that occurred between April 9th to 12th of 1917, is viewed by many historians as a defining moment in Canadian history. As a day commemorated with victory, the battle was recognized when Canada finally became a country of its own independent from the overarching rule of the British monarch. It was the event that was pivotal in shaping the foundations to a successful country and earned Canadian troops the reputation of being formidable in light of unforeseen circumstances. By serving as Canada’s most celebrated military victory, the battle was fought with unrivaled strength and led to the birth of Canadian pride and awareness. Despite the winning defeat, the victory came at a terrible cost for both sides and many soldiers died sacrificing their life for the greater good of the country.
Prior to this event, the Canadian Corps received orders from the British monarch to seize Vimy Ridge as a part of a meticulously planned strategy. Since Canada was fighting alongside British forces in the Battle of Arras, the army began to direct its forces at the strategic stronghold of Vimy Ridge and on the northern flank of their attack. The British believed that attacking the ridge would help divert German resources from the French assault and enable the military to infiltrate northern France at its weakest points. To successfully capture this difficult position, soldiers underwent strenuous training and coordinated their attacks according to aerial photographs available to them. The week before the attack was critical and new artillery tactics used during the First World War supplied the Canadian infantry with a limitless supply of artillery shells to target enemy positions. The new 106 fuse that had been introduced as a weapon of war allowed shells to explode on contact and permitted the destruction of frontline defenses and barbed wire.
The attack took place for the first time on the 9th at 5:30pm when all four divisions of the Canadian Corps stormed into battle against the three divisions of the German 6th Army. Despite the quick losses at the forefront, the army continued with indomitable strength to force the surrender of German soldiers from their dugout trenches and protective shelters. Under heavy fire, the army continued to march atop Hill 145, the highest point of the ridge in which the Vimy monument currently stands. The assault continued and the most crucial part of the ridge was surrendered under a frontal bayonet charge. The battle continued for three tiresome days and finally the ridge fell into the hands of the Allies. The Canadian operation had ended with great success and the army was able to achieve what had failed in numerous attempts by both the British and the French.
The capture of Vimy was more than an important battlefield victory because for the first time all four Canadian divisions attacked together. Currently, the gleaming white marble of the Vimy Memorial serves as a reminder of the 11,285 Canadian soldiers killed in France. To this day, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial honors all Canadians who served during the First World War and bears the names of those who died during battle with no known grave. Canadians commemorate Vimy Ridge Day by wearing Vimy pins and the Canadian flag on Canada's Peace Tower is also lowered on April 9th each year.
- Amberle Lim - Canada
Article Information: https://www.warmuseum.ca/the-battle-of-vimy-ridge/
Photo credits: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vimy_Ridge
