Hill 70

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The storming of Hill 70 (70 m above sea level) just north of Lens, France, on 15 August 1917 was the first major action fought by the Canadian Corps under a Canadian commander, Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur CURRIE, who had succeeded Lieutenant-General Sir Julian BYNG on June 6. It was entirely successful, and despite intense German counterattacks (August 16-18) the Canadians held their ground and subsequently (Aug 21-25) occupied part of Lens. Following on the capture of VIMY RIDGE, it confirmed the combat capabilities of Canadian troops.

See also WORLD WAR I.

World War I, Map
World War I, Map
Sir A.W. Currie, soldier, educator
Sir A.W. Currie, soldier, educator
General Sir A.W. Currie with "Muggins" of Red Cross Fame. Sir Arthur Currie insisted that Canadian troops fight together so they could take pride in battling together as Canadians (courtesy British Library).
O'Rourke, Michael James
O'Rourke, Michael James
O' Rourke won the Victoria Cross in the course of the battle to capture Hill 70 near Lens, France August 1917. For three days and nights O'Rourke, a stretcher bearer, worked to bring the wounded to safety (courtesy Canadian War Museum/8163).

Author BRERETON GREENHOUS


Links to Other Sites
Vimy Ridge
This website offers a brief account of the infamous First World War battle of Vimy Ridge. Includes photographs of military action taken by Canadian photographer Jack Turner. From Library and Archives Canada.

CBC: Vimy Ridge Remembered
A multimedia CBC feature devoted to the stories of Canadian veterans who fought on the front lines at Vimy Ridge in the First World War.

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