Vimy Ridge

Late Autumn, 1916 

The British Colonial soldiers landed in Northern France, some 200 kilometres away from Paris. All four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force stood at the frontlines across from Vimy Ridge. 

The Germans had t

he high ground. It was a tall, imposing hill that overlooked the surroundings, and all previous attacks had failed with numerous casualties for the Allies. The Germans had held this land as a defensive position since early in the war. Complex tunnel systems lay underneath the ground, and it felt as if you could see the gleam of the multitude of machine guns and various artillery from tens of kilometres away. 

Winter, 1916 

It was a gruelling winter, despite the area’s moderate climate. Training was rigorous. Months were spent strengthening the front line, digging trenches and practicing drills until soldiers could sleepwalk the actions. German positions were infiltrated to learn valuable information about their defences. Tunnels were dug, snaking underneath German lines and armed with rails, water pipes, lights, and bunkers with stockpiled supplies. 

The scene was set and the pieces in place, but the CEF had trained, for months in France and for months back at home. They’d begun to establish themselves as one of the most elite forces in the Allied Army, and this was not a reputation earned purely through marksmanship and bloody battle. 

Die Woche des Leidens (The Week of Suffering) 

For days, the CEF bombarded the German forces with heavy artillery. Over one million shells struck down on German-occupied land, coming in waves. The heaviest ones came sporadically throughout the week, to confuse German soldiers as to when the barrage would end and the infantry would enter. 

During this time, the CEF’s aircraft swept away that of the enemies, as well as their observation balloons and any other airborne threats. They watched as dirt flew through the air, splattering onto the next round of shells that were already flying over. During this time, soldiers checked their tunnels and trenches, their supplies and guns, and they brimmed with a similar anticipation and fear as to that of the Germans.

Nails were shorn down past the nub of skin and blood was drawn, but it seemed inconsequential to the amount that was about to water the fields. Soon, the last shells landed, and the CEF strapped on their equipment to face the snow, sleet, and the Germans. 

April 9th, 1917 

It was Easter Monday, 5:30 a.m. The CEF knew this because they each clutched a watch, an essential piece of technology in this battle. Their drills were timed out to the very second, and it was integral to know when to step and when to duck in this battle. 

The CEF had perfected the ‘creeping barrage.’ It was a technique that required trust, and immense amounts of practice. This is something that these soldiers had, being the only battalions that had stuck together all throughout the war thus far. Timed artillery set off, firing ahead of the infantrymen who proceeded behind it. A step wrong and they would be caught in the explosions of their own army. 

Ground was slowly captured, as the infantry advanced and the Germans were forced to hide in their trenches to avoid the artillery strikes. It was an effective method, and most of the ridge was captured by noon. 

Of course, this was the hill where two previous attacks failed. The CEF did not walk away without casualties, especially in the first few hours of the infantry’s attack. But they were getting further than anyone before, and despite the great number of losses, the Allies persevered and it paid off. 

April 10th, 1917 

The primary hill, called ‘Hill 145’ was captured just a day after the attack began. It was still morning on the 10th. There was still another hill to capture though, and the CEF pressed onwards. 

April 12th, 1917 

‘The Pimple’, the secondary area of significant height, was taken. Germans were forced to retreat three kilometres. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was over. The Canadians now held the high ground, lording over the Douai Plain, occupied by German forces. 

They felt a new sense of identity and pride, in themselves and their country, as they stood on top of a bloodied hill and overlooked another battle that would be fought another day.

The Vimy Foundation. “History of Vimy Ridge.” Vimyfoundation.ca, 2022, vimyfoundation.ca/learn/vimy-ridge. Veterans Affairs Canada.

“The Battle of Vimy Ridge - Veterans Affairs Canada.” Www.veterans.gc.ca, Government of Canada, 12 July 2022, 

www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/first-world-war/battle-of-vimy-r idge. 

Unknown, “29th Infantry Battalion advancing over No Man's Land through the German barbed wire and heavy fire during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.” Library and Archives Canada, https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/first-world-war/battle-of vimy-ridge.