Once occupied by German troops during the First World War, Canadian Forces broke through the trenches and thousands of German troops to gain control of Vimy Ridge, France.
At dawn on Easter Monday, April 9, the 27,000-man Canadian Corps attacked. The first wave of about 15,000 Canadian troops attacked positions defended by roughly 5,000 Germans, followed by the second wave of 12,000 Canadians to fight 3,000 German reserves.
Nearly 100,000 men in total were to take and hold the ridge. The first wave advanced behind a creeping barrage, known specifically for the battle as the "Vimy Glide". This tactic had been used earlier by the British at the Battle of the Somme, but there it had outpaced the soldiers. The Canadians perfected the technique. The troops walked across no man's land, just behind a continuous line of shells (an improvement over previous battles, in which both sides had often shelled their own troops). On the experience of advancing under heavy machine gun fire from the rear.
Vimy Ridge, France, is now Canadian territory given by the France Government as a token of history's remembrance of such a great battle.
Please take some time this Easter weekend to remember those who fought for our freedom.
A remembrance ceremony will be held on Monday and will be broadcasted 'live' on the CBC.
The ceremony will include Canadian Prime Minister, Steven Harper and the Queen as well as many international dignitaries.
Source: Wikipedia
Photo Source: www.Canada.gc.ca
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