Vimy Ridge
The Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought from 9-12 April 1917 was a pivotal engagement for Canadian forces during the First World War.
(Image: Battlefields from Vimy Ridge, Lens-Arras Road by Mary Riter Hamilton. Courtesy of Wikimedia.)
Vimy Ridge marked the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together as a unified force. The men successfully seized the strategically important ridge in northern France from the German army.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge is widely regarded as a defining moment in Canadian history.
The victory came at a high cost with over 10,000 Canadian casualties, including more than 3,500 killed.
Effective leadership was crucial to the Canadian success at Vimy Ridge. Under the command of British General Sir Julian Byng, with key contributions from Canadian Major-General Arthur Currie, the Canadian Corps employed careful planning and creative strategies. Thorough preparation, coordination, and detailed reconnaissance ensured the troops were well-prepared and informed.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a002448-v8)
British Commander Sir Julian Byng (1862-1935) reformed military training by establishing a Corps school to enhance expertise in weapons and trench warfare, fostering cohesion among divisions by training Canadians together. He also appointed Canadian soldiers to staff officer positions, ensuring their concerns were better represented. Byng became highly regarded by the troops, who affectionately referred to themselves as the “Byng Boys.“ After the war, Sir Julian Byng served as the Governor General of Canada (1921-1926).
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a001356-v8)
Sir Arthur Currie (1875-1933) was the first Canadian-appointed commander of the Canadian Corps during the First World War. Currie played a pivotal role in key victories, including the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Hundred Days Offensive. His leadership demonstrated the capabilities of an independent Canadian force on the world stage.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a001370)
Battle Rehearsals
Preparations for the battle included extensive training and rehearsals. Soldiers practiced their roles using detailed maps and scale models of the ridge, ensuring they knew the terrain and objectives.
This unprecedented level of preparation contributed to the precision of the Canadians’ attack.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a003666-v8)
(Image: Courtesy of Regina Legion Museum)
Light Tramways
The use of light tramways during the battle also contributed to the Canadians’ success.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a001049-v8)
Tramways were used to transport supplies, ammunition, and troops quickly and efficiently across the rugged and often muddy terrain.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a003721-v8)
This system allowed for faster movement of essential materials to the front lines, ensuring that the Canadian soldiers had the resources they needed to sustain their assault and continue pushing forward.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a001024)
Trenches and Tunnel Systems
The use of tunnels and trenches at Vimy Ridge played a vital role in the success of the Canadian forces by providing both protection and strategic advantage during the battle.
Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a001024
Prior to the battle, the Canadians dug an extensive network of tunnels beneath Vimy Ridge, which were used to move troops and supplies safely without being detected by the enemy.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a002054-v8)
The tunnels included medical facilities, offices, kitchens, dormitories, and storage for food and water. They also served as transportation “subways,” providing soldiers with closer access to the front lines while shielding them from bombings, gas attacks, and gunfire.
(Image: Photo by Kelsey Lonie)
Creeping Barrage
Lastly, the creeping barrage, a crucial tactic at Vimy Ridge, played a significant role in the Canadian Corps’ success.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a001087-v8)
The creeping barrage was carried out with precise timing. Artillery fire advanced in scheduled intervals, creating a “curtain” of explosions that compelled German defenders to seek cover. At the same time, the infantry moved forward, shielded by the barrage, and captured enemy positions.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, e011180642-v8)
After Vimy, the creeping barrage became a standard method in future battles because it demonstrated the power of artillery in supporting infantry attacks, particularly in the context of trench warfare, where direct assaults were often costly.
(Image: The Taking of Vimy Ridge, courtesy of Wikimedia.)
War Diary Entry: 9, April 1917 5:30 AM
ZERO HOUR: Intense artillery bombardment—one continuous roar. The ground trembles and there is mingled with the roar of the guns the swishing and screeching of the shell-filled air. 60 guns are covering our own advance, forming a “rolling barrage.” Smoke and debris thrown up by the bursting shells give the appearance of a solid wall.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, e000979421.)
John James Moore, pictured second from the right, first row, born on 25 May 1891, graduated with a law degree as part of the University of Saskatchewan’s first class in 1912. In 1916, he enlisted and rapidly advanced to the rank of sergeant.
After transferring to the 102nd Canadian Infantry Battalion in England, he participated in the attack on Vimy Ridge. He was killed on the first day of the battle at the age of 25. He is buried in Canadian Cemetery No. 2.
(Image: Courtesy of University of Saskatchewan Archives and Special Collections, A-3638.)
The combined effect of strong leadership, thorough preparation, and innovative tactics like tunneling and tramway systems resulted in a decisive victory for the Canadian Corps.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, a001267-v8)
After the war, Belgium and France granted Canada several memorial sites in recognition of its contributions. Canada assumed responsibility for funding the construction of the Vimy Ridge National Memorial. Out of 160 submissions, Walter S. Allward’s powerful design was selected, so remarkable that the judges suggested it become Canada’s only national memorial.
(Image: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, e011783410)
The Vimy Memorial’s soaring twin towers, which reach 30 meters high, symbolizes the friendship between France and Canada. The monument is adorned with numerous sculptures and carvings, including allegorical figures representing peace, justice, and sorrow.
The Vimy Memorial also includes the names of more than 11,000 Canadian soldiers who were killed in France during the war but have no known grave.
(Images: Courtesy of Canadian National Vimy Memorial)
The Vimy Memorial also includes the names of more than 11,000 Canadian soldiers who were killed in France during the war but have no known grave.
(Images: Courtesy of Brad Hrycyna)
Here, the Torch Bearer passes the sword to the eight universal virtues in reference to John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields “To you from failing hands we throw; the torch, be yours to hold high.”
(Image: Courtesy of Greg Mulatz)
Sir Walter Allward drew his inspiration for the Vimy Memorial from a vivid dream, in which he saw dead soldiers “rise in masses, file silently by, and enter the fight to aid the living.”
Artist, Captain William Longstaff, painted The Ghosts of Vimy Ridge (circa 1930-1939) using Allward’s quote as inspiration. Visit this link to learn more.
(Image: Courtesy of Wikimedia)
Brandon, L. (n.d.). History as Monument: The Sculptures on the Vimy Memorial. Canadian War Museum. https://www.warmuseum.ca/articles/history-as-monument-the-sculptures-on-the-vimy-memorial
Foot, Richard. (2006, July 20). Battle of Vimy Ridge. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/vimy-ridge
Government of Canada. (n.d.). The battle of Vimy Ridge. Veterans Canada. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/first-world-war/battle-of-vimy-ridge#07
Government of Canada. (n.d.). Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Veterans Canada. https://veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/memorials/vimy
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