Vimy Ridge Canada at War – A Defining Moment

Pictures of the Canadian Corps at the Battle of Vimy Ridge These pictures of the Battle of Vimy Ridge show the realities for the Canadians who fought in World War I. These pictures of the Battle of Vimy Ridge show the realities for the Canadians who fought in World War I. The photos show a world of muddy trenches, barbed wire, exploding shells, crude dugouts, and filth, misery and death. The photos show a world of muddy trenches, barbed wire, exploding shells, crude dugouts, and filth, misery and death.

A Defining Event A Defining Event The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a defining event for Canada. It was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together as a unit, and they acquitted themselves with distinction. It was part of the change in Canada from a subservient colony to a country which had paid for its nationhood. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a defining event for Canada. It was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together as a unit, and they acquitted themselves with distinction. It was part of the change in Canada from a subservient colony to a country which had paid for its nationhood.

The Cost The cost of the Battle of Vimy Ridge was high. The cost of the Battle of Vimy Ridge was high. More than 10,600 Canadians were wounded; nearly 3600 Canadians died. More than 10,600 Canadians were wounded; nearly 3600 Canadians died. The German forces suffered 20,000 casualties. The German forces suffered 20,000 casualties.

Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng A British professional soldier, Sir Julian Byng was Commander of the Canadian Corps at the Battle of Vimy Ridge A British professional soldier, Sir Julian Byng was Commander of the Canadian Corps at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng, Commander of the Canadian Corps at Vimy Ridge Byng was an unassuming man and was well liked. A talented field commander, Byng had a casual attitude about things like uniforms and salutes, but he was meticulous about planning, training and discipline. His men called themselves "the Byng Boys" after a music hall review "The Bing Boys are Here," which was playing in London in Byng later became Governor General of Canada. Byng was an unassuming man and was well liked. A talented field commander, Byng had a casual attitude about things like uniforms and salutes, but he was meticulous about planning, training and discipline. His men called themselves "the Byng Boys" after a music hall review "The Bing Boys are Here," which was playing in London in Byng later became Governor General of Canada.

Major General Arthur Currie Arthur Currie, Commander of the 1st Canadian Division, was a key strategist in the planning and execution of the successful assault on Vimy Ridge. Arthur Currie, Commander of the 1st Canadian Division, was a key strategist in the planning and execution of the successful assault on Vimy Ridge.

Arthur Currie, Commander of 1st Canadian Division at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Kite Balloon for Aerial Reconnaissance Preparing for the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Canadians used kite balloons for aerial reconnaissance to get information on enemy fortifications and movements. Preparing for the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Canadians used kite balloons for aerial reconnaissance to get information on enemy fortifications and movements. Kite Balloons Were Used for Aerial Reconnaissance Before the Battle of Vimy Ridge Kite Balloons Were Used for Aerial Reconnaissance Before the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Kite Balloons Were Used in Preparation for the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Pack Horses Carrying Ammunition at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadian Field Artillery personnel brought live shells to the front lines at the Battle of Vimy Ridge using pack horses. A saddlebag could carry eight shells. Canadian Field Artillery personnel brought live shells to the front lines at the Battle of Vimy Ridge using pack horses. A saddlebag could carry eight shells. These pack horses were taking ammunition to guns of the 20th Battery at the Battle of Vimy Ridge These pack horses were taking ammunition to guns of the 20th Battery at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Soldiers Lead Pack Horses With Ammunition for the Canadian Field Artillery

Mule Team Drawing Ammunition at Vimy Ridge This picture shows a mule team pulling a light railroad truck loaded with ammunition on a light railroad track near Vimy Ridge at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This picture shows a mule team pulling a light railroad truck loaded with ammunition on a light railroad track near Vimy Ridge at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

A Mule Team Pulls a Light Railroad Truck Loaded With Ammunition

Tent Under Water at the Battle of Vimy Ridge A Canadian finds his tent and home under water at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. A Canadian finds his tent and home under water at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Tent Under Water at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Truck Stuck at Vimy Ridge This picture shows Canadians pushing a truck out of the mud on a shell-battered road at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This picture shows Canadians pushing a truck out of the mud on a shell-battered road at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Canadians Push a Truck out of the Mud at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Canadians on Muddy Road at Vimy Ridge Canadians Make Their Way Down a Muddy Road at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadians Make Their Way Down a Muddy Road at the Battle of Vimy Ridge The rain and mud, and sometimes sleet and snow, were an added hazard for the Canadians at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The rain and mud, and sometimes sleet and snow, were an added hazard for the Canadians at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Canadians Make Their Way Down a Muddy Road at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Canadians in a Fox Hole at Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadians Taking Shelter at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadians Taking Shelter at the Battle of Vimy Ridge These Canadians are relaxing in a foxhole. A foxhole was a small shelter dug in the ground usually in the side of a hill or embankment away from the enemy. These Canadians are relaxing in a foxhole. A foxhole was a small shelter dug in the ground usually in the side of a hill or embankment away from the enemy.

Canadians in a Fox Hole at Battle of Vimy Ridge

Canadians Playing Cards at Vimy Ridge Canadians Relaxing at Vimy Ridge Canadians Relaxing at Vimy Ridge These Canadians are playing a game of cards in a shell hole at Vimy Ridge. These Canadians are playing a game of cards in a shell hole at Vimy Ridge.

Canadians Playing Cards in Shell Hole at Vimy Ridge

Canadian Light Horse at the Battle of Vimy Ridge The Canadian Light Horse, an Alberta unit, heads into action at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Canadian Light Horse Going Into Action at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Digging in at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadian advanced reserves dig themselves in under shell fire during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadian advanced reserves dig themselves in under shell fire during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Canadians Digging in at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Signalling Headquarters at the Battle of Vimy Ridge These Canadians are establishing signalling headquarters at Vimy Ridge. These Canadians are establishing signalling headquarters at Vimy Ridge. Signallers were responsible for communication equipment and relaying messages. Signallers were responsible for communication equipment and relaying messages.

Establishing Signalling Headquarters at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Officer Directs Fire at the Battle of Vimy Ridge A Canadian officer directs the fire of a captured German gun at Vimy Ridge. A Canadian officer directs the fire of a captured German gun at Vimy Ridge. Canadians captured 54 guns, 104 trench mortars and 124 machine guns at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadians captured 54 guns, 104 trench mortars and 124 machine guns at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Officer Directs Fire at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Smashing Barbed Wire at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Trench Mortar Shells Are Used to Smash Barbed Wire at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Trench Mortar Shells Are Used to Smash Barbed Wire at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Barbed wire in WWI was heavy, often high, deep and tangled, and it was difficult to destroy. In this photo barbed wire is smashed with trench mortar shells. Barbed wire in WWI was heavy, often high, deep and tangled, and it was difficult to destroy. In this photo barbed wire is smashed with trench mortar shells.

Smashing Barbed Wire at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Tank and Infantry at the Battle of Vimy Ridge This picture shows infantry advancing behind a tank at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This picture shows infantry advancing behind a tank at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Tank and Infantry at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Troops Move Howitzer Into Position at Vimy Ridge Troops move a howitzer into position behind a damaged rail embankment at Vimy Ridge. Troops move a howitzer into position behind a damaged rail embankment at Vimy Ridge. A howitzer is a short-barrelled cannon used to hit hidden fixed targets. A howitzer is a short-barrelled cannon used to hit hidden fixed targets.

Troops Move Howitzer Into Position at Vimy Ridge

Naval Gun at Vimy Ridge In this picture troops are shown firing a naval gun behind Canadian lines at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. In this picture troops are shown firing a naval gun behind Canadian lines at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Firing a Naval Gun Behind Canadian Lines at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Naval Gun Firing at Night at the Battle of Vimy Ridge This picture shows a naval gun firing behind Canadian lines at night at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This picture shows a naval gun firing behind Canadian lines at night at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Naval Gun Firing at Night at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Canadian Machine Gunners at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadian machine gunners are dug in shell holes in the advance at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadian machine gunners are dug in shell holes in the advance at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Canadian Machine Gunners at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

No Man's Land at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadians Advancing Over No Man's Land at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadians Advancing Over No Man's Land at the Battle of Vimy Ridge The 29th Infantry Batallion advance over No Man's Land between the Canadian and German trenches at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The 29th Infantry Batallion advance over No Man's Land between the Canadian and German trenches at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Advancing Over No Man's Land at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Canadians Fire on Retreating Germans Canadians use a captured gun to fire on retreating Germans at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadians use a captured gun to fire on retreating Germans at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Canadians Fire on Retreating Germans at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Canadians Search German Trenches at the Battle of Vimy Ridge In this picture Canadians search trenches for hiding Germans. In this picture Canadians search trenches for hiding Germans. The Canadians captured 4,000 prisoners at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The Canadians captured 4,000 prisoners at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Canadians Search German Trenches at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Captured German Machine Gun Emplacement Canadians in a machine gun emplacement captured at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadians in a machine gun emplacement captured at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadians captured 54 guns, 104 trench mortars and 124 machine guns in the battle. Canadians captured 54 guns, 104 trench mortars and 124 machine guns in the battle.

Captured Machine Gun Emplacement at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Tending a Wounded German at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadian soldiers tend a wounded German on the battlefield at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadian soldiers tend a wounded German on the battlefield at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Tending a Wounded German at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Canadian Wounded at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Wounded Canadian soldiers are carried in from the battlefield at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Wounded Canadian soldiers are carried in from the battlefield at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Over 10,000 Canadians were wounded in the battle; 3600 died. Over 10,000 Canadians were wounded in the battle; 3600 died.

Canadian Wounded at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Stretcher Bearers at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canadian stretcher bearers and German prisoners bring in wounded at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadian stretcher bearers and German prisoners bring in wounded at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Over 10,000 Canadians were wounded in the battle; 3600 died. Over 10,000 Canadians were wounded in the battle; 3600 died.

Stretcher Bearers Bringing in Wounded at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Stretcher Cases at Vimy Ridge Wounded stretcher cases wait to be loaded on light railway cars at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Wounded stretcher cases wait to be loaded on light railway cars at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Over 10,000 Canadians were wounded in the battle; 3600 died. Over 10,000 Canadians were wounded in the battle; 3600 died.

Stretcher Cases at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Sending Wounded on Light Railway at the Battle of Vimy Ridge Wounded Are Sent out from the Battle of Vimy Ridge by Light Railway Wounded Are Sent out from the Battle of Vimy Ridge by Light Railway The Canadian Red Cross and German prisoners help send the wounded out on a light railway from the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The Canadian Red Cross and German prisoners help send the wounded out on a light railway from the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Wounded Are Sent out from the Battle of Vimy Ridge by Light Railway

Shell Explosion in the Village of Vimy A shell explodes in what's left of the village of Vimy, France. A shell explodes in what's left of the village of Vimy, France.

Shell Explosion in the Village of Vimy

Happy Canadians After the Battle of Vimy Ridge This picture shows happy Canadian soldiers going to their billets for a well- deserved rest after victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This picture shows happy Canadian soldiers going to their billets for a well- deserved rest after victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Happy Canadians Returning to Rest Billets After Battle of Vimy Ridge

View of Vimy Village A view of the village of Vimy looking over the crest of Vimy Ridge. A view of the village of Vimy looking over the crest of Vimy Ridge.

View of Village of Vimy Looking Over the Crest of Vimy Ridge

Canadians on Main Street Vimy This picture shows Canadians walking down the main street of the remnants of the village of Vimy. This picture shows Canadians walking down the main street of the remnants of the village of Vimy.

Canadians on Main Street Vimy

A Canadian Grave Near Vimy in 1917 A Canadian grave near Vimy in June A Canadian grave near Vimy in June Nearly 3600 Canadians died in the Battle of Vimy Ridge that spring. Nearly 3600 Canadians died in the Battle of Vimy Ridge that spring.

A Canadian Grave Near Vimy in June 1917

Memorial to the 2nd Canadian Division This picture from July 1918 shows a memorial to the men of the 2nd Canadian Division who were killed at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France. This picture from July 1918 shows a memorial to the men of the 2nd Canadian Division who were killed at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France.

Memorial to Men of the 2nd Canadian Division Killed at Vimy Ridge

Memorial to Canadian Grenadier Guards This picture shows a memorial to the men of the Canadian Grenadier Guards who were killed at Vimy Ridge in France. This picture shows a memorial to the men of the Canadian Grenadier Guards who were killed at Vimy Ridge in France.

Memorial to Men of the Canadian Grenadier Guards Killed at Vimy Ridge

Bibliography The images and text in this presentation were taken from the About.com web site on Vimy Ridge. The text was modified only slightly from the original. The images and text in this presentation were taken from the About.com web site on Vimy Ridge. The text was modified only slightly from the original. The sound effects are in the public domain. The sound effects are in the public domain.

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