Mind’s On – Anticipation In your notes write down: 3 things you think it essential for victory in any battle 2 things that will ensure defeat 1 thing you think of when you hear the word ‘Vimy’

BATTLE OF VIMY RIDGE: APRIL 1917 “The Birth of a Nation”

Both the French and British armies had tried to attack and take over Vimy Ridge All previous attacks were unsuccessful It was Canada’s turn to try and take over Previous Attacks on Vimy

General Arthur Currie insists that Canada fight this battle on their own –with Canadians and led by Canadians. Keys to Success: Currie studied failures and successes of previous battles in this war Soldiers were trained carefully and practiced new battle tactics General Arthur Currie

Preparations included building underground tunnels to move troops secretly and safely under no man’s land and closer to the German trenches. Canadian troops also made a complete copy of the hill which let them know the details of the land they would be fighting on Preparations

The Attack An artillery barrage fired on enemy lines was set to start the battle the morning of April 9, At Vimy, this would occur differently than at the Somme. A new tactic called the CREEPING BARRAGE was set in place. By April 12 Canada had control of the Ridge. The Allies held the Ridge for the rest of the war.

It was said that at Vimy Ridge Canada truly ‘became a nation’ Canada lost over 3500 men (out of over 10,000) but it has been called the “most perfectly organized and successful battle of the whole war” As a result Canada was no longer seen as a colony and later signed the Treaty of Versailles as their own nation Vimy Success:

Canadian soldiers celebrating victory after taking Vimy

Present-day view of shell holes left from the Vimy battle

Vimy Ridge Memorial

Vimy Ridge Memorial - Clip

Wrap Up – Quick Discuss Restoration of the Vimy Memorial was part of a $30 million project funded by the federal government. Is that money well spent?