Vimy Ridge: April 9th, 1917

[Jager]

On this exact day, April 9th, 1917, elements of the Canadian Corps stormed the strategic ridge known as "Vimy Ridge", a crictical part of the German line that allowed them an endless view in all directions and the accurate spotting for their artillery. Despite meeting heavy opposition, Canadians successfully took the front line trenches and pushed the Germans back and, by nightfall, had secured the south side of the Ridge. Within a week, the ridge would be under Canadian control, despite numerous counter attacks by the Germans. The British and French forces were never able to successfully take and hold the ridge before after numerous attempts and thanks to the revolutionary tactics developed by Sir Arther Currie, the Canadians were able to take all objectives. This battle is one of many that shaped the Canada that we live in today but it is one that is held true to all Canadian hearts. Today, we remember all the soldiers, Central powers, and Triple Entente, that fell in the Battle for Vimy Ridge.

[P_Funk]

Go Canada! As they say, the birth of our nation.

[horsa]

Well said

Canada's contribution in both wars is often overlooked.

[Oberon]

Canada

Sir Arthur Currie? Wonder if he's a relative....

[ReallyDedPoet]

Originally Posted by horsa

Well said

Canada's contribution in both wars is often overlooked.

Thank's for that, Canada

[P_Funk]

Originally Posted by reallydedpoet

Thank's for that, Canada

Hey no biggie. We're always willing lend a hand. A little foreign aid here, an expeditiary force there. Its all about being neighbourly eh?

[CCIP]

Aye. I wish there was as much enthusiasm for the Battle of the Atlantic here in Canada as well - no less important, and went on far far longer! (maybe that's the reason - more focused battles with a confined geography are easy to tell to the masses about). Canada also seems to remember Dieppe well, a much less glorious episode but still an important lesson.

Vimy, though, is a great example of how even a seemingly green force can pull off a real valiant performance when everything is tightly organized and coordinated. I read that even individual soldiers were issued accurate maps and everything was planned on the platoon level, with everyone knowing exactly what their task and function was. A lesson a lot of armies could learn from even today!