|
In April 1917 large numbers of Canadian troops attaked the German defences on Vimy Ridge. It was part of the Battle of Arras and was an overwhelming success. The Canadian troops received a reputation as as excellent soldiers after this and many credit it with uniting Canada into the country we know today.
We arrived here early in the day, but it was already teeming with people. The whole area is a massive park devoted to the memory of the Canadian troops who died here and is the focal point for Canadian services for the whole of the war.
The ridge was known as Hill 145 during the war and was a scene of conflict throughout the war. There was three battles leading up to 1917, the first, second and third Battles of Artois involving Moroccan, British and French troops fighting the securely dug in German troops.
The official site of the memorial can be found here.
|