jknaus
Administrator
100 years ago today the Canadian Corps was ordered to seize Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Situated in northern France, the heavily-fortified seven-kilometre ridge held a commanding view over the Allied lines. The Canadians would be assaulting over an open graveyard since previous French attacks had failed with over 100,000 casualties. It was the first Canadian military operation using all four Brigades of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and they succeeded where others had failed. It became the action that has been attributed to the Birth of a Nation. The corps suffered 10,602 casualties: 3,598 killed and 7,004 wounded. The German Sixth Army suffered an unknown number of casualties with approximately 4,000 men becoming prisoners of war. Four members of the Canadian Corps received Victoria Crosses, the highest military decoration awarded to British and Commonwealth forces for valour, for their actions during the battle:
Many thanks to all that came before and to those that have, are, and will serve.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/replay-updates-from-vimy-ridge-ctv-news-at-the-100th-anniversary-ceremony-1.3355841
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9Ab4Crf7cU
James
Many thanks to all that came before and to those that have, are, and will serve.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/replay-updates-from-vimy-ridge-ctv-news-at-the-100th-anniversary-ceremony-1.3355841
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9Ab4Crf7cU
James