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Vimy Ridge

 Vimy Ridge

This essay will describe the events that took place at Vimy Ridge during World

War I. Britain and France both attempted to take control of the Ridge which was

currently occupied by the German Army and both failed. It was left to the Canadian

Army to take the Ridge. This essay will prove that after many struggles, and careful

preparation, Canada was defined as a Nation at Vimy Ridge.



Vimy Ridge was a key to the German defence system. It rose 61 m. above

the Douai Plain which favoured the Germans because there was a gradual incline

on the West. This meant that the Canadians would have to attack over open ground

where they would become prime targets for German artillery, machine guns and rifle

fire.



Military mining played a big role in the battle of Vimy Ridge. Engineers built a

network of tunnels under no-mans land. They also dug subways totalling more than

5 km. in length, through which assault troops could move to their jumping-off points.

The subways provided protection from enemy artillery fire, and permitted the

wounded to be brought back from the battlefield. Chambers were cut into the walls

of the subway for brigade and battalion headquarters, ammunitions stores,

communication centres and dressing stations.



The taking of Vimy Ridge fell to the Canadian Corps under the command of

the British General Julian Byng. He appointed the Canadian born Major General

Arthur Currie as the Commander of the 1st Canadian Division. Currie believed

"Thorough preparation must lead to success. Neglect nothing.". He left nothing to

chance, every stage of the attack was planned to the very last...