World War I: The Battle of Vimy Ridge

The Battle of Vimy Ridge: A Defining Moment in Canadian History

The Battle of Vimy Ridge is considered to be a defining moment in Canadian history and is known as the moment Canada stepped out from under Britain's shadow. This victory not only gave Canada the international reputation it needed but also instilled in the Canadian Army a bond, courage, and reputation that have been significant throughout its history and remain relevant today. Although over 10,000 Canadians were unfortunately killed or wounded, the Battle of Vimy Ridge is remembered as one of Canada’s most important battles. Prior to this battle, several conflicts set the stage, including the Battle of Ypres (1915) and the Battle of the Somme (1916).

Preceding Conflicts and Their Impact

These conflicts affected Canada’s Army in beneficial ways and helped it earn respect from many other countries. However, they also came with significant costs, notably the number of casualties. Canadian soldiers suffered almost 30,000 deaths in those two battles alone. As tragic as these losses were, they set the tone for the seriousness of World War I. In April of 1917, the Canadian Corps was ordered to capture Vimy Ridge, located in northern France. Due to the unsuccessful attempts by British and French troops to push back or defeat German forces, Canadians were tasked with finishing the job. The battlefield, stretching seven kilometers and heavily fortified, presented a daunting challenge for the Canadian Corps.

The Strategy and Preparation

The strategy for Vimy Ridge was similar to previous battles, but this time the plan aimed to expel Germany from France permanently. German forces had quickly dug trenches on high ground, which allowed them to control the surrounding area and gain an advantage. To overcome this, Canadian troops underwent extensive training, using models of the battlefield, to ensure their readiness and flexibility. A week before the battle, British and Canadian forces attacked Germany’s positions on the ridge, causing many deaths and giving Canada a significant advantage in the upcoming encounter. In the early morning of April 9th, 1917, multiple Canadian divisions charged the ridge, marking the first time all four Canadian divisions worked together. Acts of bravery and courage led the infantry across the battlefield, even under heavy fire, with sacrifices becoming a common theme as Canadians even lost their officers.

The Battle and Its Aftermath

The highest part of the ridge, Hill 145, was captured with a bayonet charge against Germany’s machine gun points. This significant moment directed the remainder of the three-day battle in Canada’s favor. The battle ended with Canada emerging victorious, though at the cost of 3,598 lives. Despite 7,000 soldiers being wounded, the Canadians were immensely proud of their achievement, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in their national history. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was not just another piece of the war; it was the first time men from all over Canada united to defeat Germany and write a significant chapter in our history. In 1922, the government of France granted Canada a perpetuity of Vimy Ridge (Cook, 2017).

Legacy and Remembrance

In 1936, sculptures and memorials were erected to honor every Canadian who risked and lost their life to help win and conquer Vimy Ridge. This battle is remembered as one of the most important in Canadian history and has given Canadian soldiers the respectable reputation they hold today. Many lives were lost, but every Canadian who participated will be remembered for the brave example they set. These heroic acts and unforgettable moments are why we remember the soldiers who were lost, those who survived, and, of course, the Battle of Vimy Ridge (Berton, 2018).

References:

• Cook, T. (2017). Vimy: The Battle and the Legend. Penguin Canada.
• Berton, P. (2018). Vimy. Anchor Canada.