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As
part of a British offensive around Arras
in April 1917, the Canadian Corps was
to seize heavily-fortified Vimy Ridge
in northern France. The Canadians carefully
planned and rehearsed their attack. At
5:30 on the morning of 9 April, all four
Canadian divisions, advancing together
for the first time, stormed the seven-kilometre-long
ridge and captured it, except for two
German positions which fell three days
later. The cost to Canada was high: 3598
killed and over 7000 wounded. But the
Canadians’ determination earned
them a reputation as formidable, effective
troops.
Many
historians and writers consider the spectacular
Canadian victory at Vimy a defining moment
for Canada, when the country emerged
from under the shadow of Britain and
felt capable of greatness.
See also :
The
Battle of Vimy Ridge, 9-12 April 1917
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