The Battle for Vimy Ridge 1917: A Turning Point in the First World War

The Battle for Vimy Ridge, 1917

by Jack Sheldon

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10565 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	380 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Battle for Vimy Ridge was a pivotal battle in the First World War, fought between Canadian and British forces against the German army. It was a strategic victory for the Allies and a turning point in the war, marking the beginning of a new era of warfare in which mechanization and air power played significant roles.

Background

Vimy Ridge was a strategic location in northern France, overlooking the city of Arras. It formed part of the German Siegfried Line of fortifications and was heavily fortified with trenches, bunkers, and barbed wire. The Allies had unsuccessfully attempted to capture the ridge in 1915 and 1916, with heavy casualties.

In early 1917, the British High Command planned a major offensive to break through the German lines and relieve pressure on the French army in the south. The Canadian Corps, under the command of Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie, was given the task of capturing Vimy Ridge.

The Battle

The Battle for Vimy Ridge began on April 9, 1917, with a massive artillery barrage. The Canadian troops advanced in four waves, using a creeping artillery barrage to suppress German fire. They faced fierce resistance, but managed to capture the first German trench line.

Over the next two days, the Canadians fought their way up the ridge, capturing the remaining German trenches and bunkers. By April 12, they had reached the crest of the ridge and were in possession of the strategic Hill 145.

The battle was a decisive Allied victory. The Canadian Corps captured more than 4,000 German prisoners and inflicted heavy casualties. Vimy Ridge became a symbol of Canadian military prowess and a rallying point for national pride.

Legacy

The Battle for Vimy Ridge was a significant turning point in the First World War. It marked the first time that the Canadian Corps had fought as an independent unit and achieved a major victory. It also demonstrated the growing importance of mechanization and air power in modern warfare.

In the years following the war, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial was built on the site of the battle. The memorial commemorates the more than 66,000 Canadian soldiers who died in France and Belgium during the First World War.

The Battle for Vimy Ridge was a pivotal moment in the First World War and a testament to the courage and determination of the Canadian soldiers who fought in it. The victory at Vimy Ridge was a major turning point in the war and helped to pave the way for the eventual Allied victory.

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Canadian soldiers in the First World War and continues to inspire Canadians today.

The Battle for Vimy Ridge, 1917

by Jack Sheldon

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10565 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	380 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE