Vimy Ridge

 The Battle of Vimy Ridge took place from April 9-12, 1917. This was the first time in history that Canadian forces united, and many say it is the moment we became a nation. The Canadians trained for 6 months for this mission. This allowed time for the building of tunnels, training, and most importantly practice. All troops were given a watch and a map with detailed plans. This preparation was necessary as this was considered the strongest point in the German lines because of the high vantage point Vimy Ridge provided. 

The attack was originally scheduled for dawn on April 8th, and troops were mobilized into tunnels and artillery put into place. Unfortunately, a snow storm delayed the attack, which meant that most soldiers were stuck in their tunnels for 36-48 hours! When the attack did take place on the morning of April 9th, the Canadians took the Germans largely by surprise. Nevertheless, the Germans resisted until they were finally overwhelmed by the 12th of April. Canada's victory came with a huge price: 3,600 casualties which represent the most casualties in Canadian Military History. This is why the monument shows victory as 'loss' and exemplifies the huge sacrifice needed to win a battle in WWI. Vimy is also meant to honour the 11 000 lost Canadian soldiers of the Great War, with names engraved on the side of the monument.

Statue of the 'father' which is one of the first statues you see as you approach the monument.

At the top of the monument, more sculptures are meant to depict the sense of suffering these soldiers had to face.

Names of soldiers whose bodies were never found in WWI.

Statue of Mother Canada, looking down over the ridge and the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Front of Vimy Monument.

I'm 5'10", which should give a sense of just how massive this monument is!

Statues depicting a warrior protecting the weak.

Mother Canada in the center of the two pillars. This is an incredible monument!



Tomb of the unknown soldier.

Vimy Ridge (front) from distance.

Grave rubbing done by a fellow teacher, as he found the name of a relative who had fought and died at Vimy Ridge.

TUNNELS AND TRENCHES AT VIMY...

The Maple Leaf... not a part of our flag in 1917, but the symbol of a young nation.