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Vimy Ridge, battle fought 9-14 April 1917 during WORLD WAR I. The long, low ridge formed a key position linking the Germans' new HINDENBURG LINE to their main trench lines leading north from HILL 70 near Arras, France. Both British and French forces had tried unsuccessfully to take the ridge earlier during the war. In spring 1917 the task was given to the Canadian Corps, commanded by British Lt-Gen Sir J.H.G. BYNG.
After careful training and rehearsal, and supported by almost 1000 artillery pieces, the Canadians attacked along a 6.4 km front on 9 April 1917. It was the first time the Canadians attacked together, and they achieved a magnificent victory, sweeping the Germans off the ridge. By April 14 they had gained more ground, more guns, and more prisoners than any previous British offensive had done. Canadian casualties mounted to 10 602, of which 3598 were killed. Nevertheless the sense of achievement and national pride created by this success gave the Canadians a great feeling of self-confidence. The Canadian Corps was to gain recognition as an elite corps.
 Vimy RidgeCanadian machine gunners dig themselves into shell holes on Vimy Ridge, France, April 1917 (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/PA-1017).
 World War I, Map
 Vimy Ridge MemorialVimy Monument, France (photo by Jacqueline Hucker).
 Trenches, Vimy RidgeThe preserved WWI trenches at Vimy Ridge, France (photo by Jacqueline Hucker).
Author
R.H. ROY
Suggested Reading
Pierre Berton, Vimy (1986).
Links to Other Sites
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial Park
This Veterans Affairs Canada website offers an online tour of The Canadian National Vimy Memorial Park.
The Memory Project
Canada’s war veterans share poignant memories of their wartime experiences. From the website for the Dominion Institute.
Shock Troops: Canadians Fighting the Great War, 1917 – 1918
A brief video clip of Author Tim Cook talking about his book "Shock Troops: Canadians Fighting the Great War, 1917 – 1918." From the website for the Charles Taylor Prize.
Vimy Ridge
This website offers a brief account of the battle of Vimy Ridge in World War I. 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 World War I.
For King and Empire: Canada's Soldiers in the Great War
This web site accompanies the “For King and Empire” video documentary series. Features detailed day-by-day accounts of military battles, profiles of individual soldiers and much more. From Breakthrough Films and History Television.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge
An informative website about the historic Battle of Vimy Ridge. From the Canadian War Museum.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge
This site offers a brief account of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. From Veterans Affairs Canada.
Design and Construction of the Vimy Ridge Memorial
Details about the design and construction of the Vimy Ridge Memorial. From Veterans Affairs Canada.
Vimy Ridge Memorial Unveiled
Listen to King Edward speak about the heroism and sacrifices of World War I Canadian troops in this CBC Radio report from the scene of the unvieling of the Vimy Ridge Memorial.
Walter S. Allward Collection
An online guide to the Walter S. Allward Collection at the National Gallery of Canada.
Vimy Memorial
Dedicated to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Click on "Cemetery Details" and then click on the names for personal information about each soldier buried at the site. From the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
Scroll down to the section “The Capture of Vimy Ridge” for a detailed discussion of the strategic planning for the capture of Vimy Ridge in World War I. From the Department of National Defence. A PDF file.
Canadians and Conflict
"Canadians and Conflict" is an illustrated online textbook about Canadian military history. Covers Canada's participation in international military conflicts and related political issues, developments in military technology, and much more. Produced by the Edmonton Public School Board.
Women and War
This reading guide focuses on the heroic story of Grace MacPherson Livingstone, who served as an ambulance driver in France during World War I. Regarding the book "Victory at Vimy: Canada Comes of Age, April 9–12, 1917," by Ted Barris. From the website for the Durham West Arts Centre.
The Soldiers’ Story
An article about the brave men and women who served in the Canadian military at the Battle at Vimy Ridge. From the "Legion Magazine."
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