Canadians in Battle

Vimy Ridge

Organization of Note

• When and Where• The Goal/Objective• What is the Battle known for?• Evidence of Canadian Bravery/Skill• Number of Casualties

Vimy Ridge

Vimy RidgeWhen and Where• Vimy Ridge, France – April 9, 1917

Vimy RidgeThe Goal/Main Objective• Vimy Ridge was a key to the German defense

system• Canadians were sent to capture Vimy Ridge in

Feb. 1917.• All previous Allied attempts to capture the

Ridge had failed.

Vimy RidgeWhat is the battle known for?• The only significant battle for the Allies• Preparations for the battle were thorough and

extremely detailed.– Troops built a full scale model of the battle grounds– Practiced exactly what they were going to do– Planes flew scouting missions– Light railway lines to move artillery and troops– Underground tunnels were built

What is the battle known for?...cont.• Troops followed a barrage of artillery (Creeping

Barrage) and caught the Germans off guard.• They advanced 100 yard every three minutes =

“Vimy Glide”

Vimy RidgeEvidence of Bravery/Skill of Canadians• Plan devised and led by 1st Canadian General, Arthur Currie• All four Divisions of the Canadian Corps attacked

simultaneously for the first (and last) time, about 100,000 men taking part in the battle.

• By April 17, 1917 the Allied forces had captured Vimy.• Vimy is indeed the birthplace of “Canadian

Nationhood”.

Vimy RidgeNumber of Canadian Casualties• 10,500 casualties, including 3,598 dead.

Vimy Ridge“Canada’s sons left their home

as young colonials but returned as Canadians.”