Battle of Vimy Ridge
From April 9 to 12, the Canadian Corps captured the entire Vimy Ridge, the most notable Allied success of the Battle of Arras.
Belligerents
Canadian Corps (part of the British Expeditionary Force's First Army)
- Commanders
- Julian Byng, Arthur Currie
- Strength
- Four Canadian divisions, together with attached British troops, about 100,000 men
Germany
- Commanders
- Ludwig von Falkenhausen
- Strength
- About three divisions
Background
Vimy Ridge is an escarpment about 7 km long north of Arras. The Germans had held it since 1914, and repeated French and British attacks had failed to take it at heavy cost. In the spring of 1917, the British launched an offensive at Arras and assigned the capture of Vimy Ridge to the four Canadian divisions, concentrated together for the first time.
Course of the battle
- Careful preparationThe Canadian Corps dug tunnels, rehearsed on full-scale mock-ups, reconnoitered German gun positions, and used massed artillery for counter-battery fire.
- Creeping barrageEarly on April 9, the infantry charged close behind a creeping barrage that advanced on a timetable, quickly breaking through the German forward positions.
- First-day advanceThat day the Canadian Corps took most of the ridge; only the highest point, Hill 145, was still the scene of fierce fighting.
- Taking "the Pimple"Hill 145 fell on April 10, and on the 12th the "Pimple" at the northern end was taken, putting the entire ridge in Canadian hands.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1917 |
|---|---|
| Place | Vimy Ridge, north of Arras, Pas-de-Calais, France |
| Result | From April 9 to 12, the Canadian Corps captured the entire Vimy Ridge, the most notable Allied success of the Battle of Arras. |
| Winner | Canadian Corps (Allies) |
| Casualties | Canadian casualties were about 10,600, of whom about 3,600 were killed; German casualties and prisoners were also numerous |
| Territorial change | The Allies controlled Vimy Ridge, overlooking the Douai Plain; the overall front changed little |
Impact
The Battle of Vimy Ridge was the first victory of the four Canadian divisions fighting together and is regarded as a symbol of the birth of Canadian national consciousness; the Vimy Memorial, unveiled in 1936, bears the names of Canadian soldiers killed in France who have no known grave.
See the world in 1917 on the map →