“In those few moment’s I witnessed the berth of a nation.”

BGen A.E. Ross

Who Fought At Vimy Ridge

Germans Vs. Canadians

Vimy Ridge Facts

• The Battle began at 5:30 am on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917.

• It was the first time that all four divisions of the Canadian forces fought together.

• Britain and France were both unable to capture Vimy Ridge and they lost 150,000 men in their attempts.

• Canada was able to capture Vimy ridge because of their powerful artillery and their sound tactical planning.

• In this battle alone 4 Victoria Crosses awarded, the victory Cross is Canada’s highest award for bravery.

• Battle ended April 14, 1917.• Vimy Ridge marked the turning point in the war in favor

of the Allies.

How It Went Down

• The Canadians attacked the German’s on the morning of April 9, at around 5:30

• The started by blowing up two mines that ran under the enemy front lines

• Canadian’s immediately began opening fire on the Germans

• Canadian’s scrambled over the trenches and into “no man’s land.”

• When they arrived at the German’s front line they were surprised to see that most of the men had retreated to the second line.

• Canadians initial attack depleted the Germans forces, eventually leading to the defeat of the German's at Vimy.

Where Is Vimy Ridge…

The Battle of Vimy Ridge

Importance to Canada

Why It Was Important To Canada.

Although 3,000 Canadians were killed and 7,000 injured, the capture of Vimy Ridge was the first time in history that Canadian units fought together as one. This became the symbol of Canada’s independence and nationhood. Troops were soon recognized as the best troops on the Western Front. Canadian General Arthur Currie was promoted to replace British General Byng. Britain no longer commanded Canadian troops. The Victory at Vimy Ridge literally put Canada on the map.

Why Vimy Ridge Appealed to Canada

Why Canada strove to capture Vimy ridge

Strategic Advantages

• The Ridge was extremely difficult to penetrate because the enemy had the higher vantage.

• It was considered the Germans most important camp which is why it was so heavily guarded.

• The Germans built three trenches, barbed wire, a tunnel system, and a light railway.

• Behind Vimy Ridge was where German artillery and ammunitions factories resided.

• The Canadians had fired over 1 million shells even before the battle had begun.

Vimy Ridge During WW1

1917

No Mans Land

Vimy Ridge Now

2006

No Mans Land

The Vimy Monument

• Carved on its walls are the names of the 11, 285 Canadians lost in the war without a known grave.

It took eleven years and $1.5 million to build and was unveiled on July 26, 1936 by King Edward VIII, in the presence of President Albert Lebrun of France and 50,000 or more Canadian and French veterans and their families.

• Of Canada's 66,655 dead in WWI, more than 7,000 are buried in 30 cemeteries within 16 km of Vimy. Many of the graves bear the marking "Known only unto God", because of the difficulty in identifying the remains. Though the victory at Vimy came swiftly, it did not come without cost. There were 3,598 dead out of 10,062 Canadian casualties.

Bibliography

whitbyus.cheshire.sch.uk

drakkin.com

google.ca

interlog.com

waramps.ca