William Shatner | Battle of Vimy Ridge

Summary

In April 1917, during one of France's coldest winters, Canadian troops launched a meticulously planned assault on Vimy Ridge, a key German stronghold. Despite previous French and British failures, the Canadians advanced with precision, securing the ridge in just six days. With 10,602 casualties, including 3,598 dead, the victory marked a defining moment for the Canadian Corps. The battle not only demonstrated their military prowess but also fostered a sense of Canadian identity and nationalism. Vimy Ridge became a symbol of Canada's strength and contribution in World War I.

Takeaways

• ❄️ The winter of 1917 was the coldest in France in 40 years, with snow still covering Vimy Ridge in April.
• ⚔️ The Germans controlled Vimy Ridge, and previous French and British attempts to capture it had failed, with heavy losses.
• ⏰ On Easter Monday, April 9th, 30,000 Canadian troops prepared for the assault on Vimy Ridge at 5:30 a.m.
• 🗺️ The Canadians meticulously planned the attack, training on a replica of the ridge and using detailed maps provided by reconnaissance flights.
• 🎯 The Canadian forces had specific objectives marked by colored lines: the Black Line (enemy forward defenses), Red Line (Hill 145), Blue Line (Hill 135), and Brown Line (German second line).
• 💣 At 5:30 a.m., more than 3,000 artillery pieces began bombarding the ridge, and 15,000 infantry advanced under heavy machine gun fire.
• 🚩 By 11 a.m., the Canadians had captured the Blue Line, and by 2 p.m., they had secured the Brown Line, advancing 5 km and capturing Vimy Ridge.
• 👑 On April 12th, Canadian forces captured the final stronghold, the Pimple, after heavy fighting, securing a complete victory.
• ⚰️ The victory came at a high cost, with 10,602 casualties, including 3,598 dead, but it was a major accomplishment for the Canadian Corps.
• 🇨🇦 Vimy Ridge became a symbol of Canadian nationalism, marking a moment when the country and its soldiers forged a unique national identity separate from Britain.

Q & A

What was the significance of the winter of 1917 for France?

The winter of 1917 was the coldest France had experienced in 40 years, and snow was still present in April, making conditions difficult for military operations like the battle at Vimy Ridge.

Who previously attempted to capture Vimy Ridge before the Canadians?

The French and British forces had previously tried to capture Vimy Ridge, but their efforts had resulted in many casualties and no success.

When did the Canadians launch their attack on Vimy Ridge?

The Canadians launched their attack on Vimy Ridge at 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 9th, 1917.

What unique preparation did the Canadian forces undertake before the Vimy Ridge assault?

The Canadian forces trained on a replica of Vimy Ridge, created behind the lines, so they knew the terrain intimately before the attack. They also had detailed maps from reconnaissance flights.

What were the objectives for each of the Canadian divisions during the attack?

Each Canadian division had an objective marked by colored lines: the black line represented the enemy’s forward defenses, the red line marked Hill 145, the blue line included Hill 135, and the brown line was the German second line.

How effective was the initial assault by the Canadians on Vimy Ridge?

The initial assault was effective, with the Canadians taking the black line (German forward defenses) by 6:15 a.m. despite facing heavy machine-gun fire.

What happened on April 12, 1917, at the northern tip of Vimy Ridge?

On April 12, 1917, the Canadians launched a heavy artillery attack on the northern tip of the ridge, known as 'the Pimple,' defended by Prussian guards. The 10th Brigade advanced and captured it after fierce hand-to-hand fighting.

What was the total number of Canadian casualties in the Battle of Vimy Ridge?

The Canadians suffered 10,602 casualties, including 3,598 deaths, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Why was the Battle of Vimy Ridge significant for Canadian national identity?

The Battle of Vimy Ridge is seen as a defining moment for Canadian national identity because the Canadian Corps achieved what French and British forces could not, and the battle made Canadians see themselves as distinct from Britain.

How did Major General Arthur Curry describe the Battle of Vimy Ridge?

Major General Arthur Curry described the battle as 'the grandest day the corps has ever had,' noting that the attack was carried out exactly as planned, with both awe and pride in the accomplishment.