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Vimy
Ridge is a strategically important location. It is close to
the city of Arras and provided either side an opportunity to
dominate the region. |
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The
Canadians were given the task of capturing Vimy Ridge from the
Germans. Given the massive advantage of height enjoyed by the
defenders, and the wealth of weaponry available to them, this
appeared to be a thankless task. |
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Through
careful planning and the introduction of several new ideas relating
to the method of proceeding with an assault the Canadians managed
to achieve the seemingly impossible. Vimy Ridge was successfully
taken, providing much cause for celebration amongst the Allies. |
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Many
men from both sides died fighting for control of Vimy Ridge.
The Canadian forces, though achieving their objectives, suffered
heavy losses in completing the assault. Vimy Ridge is preserved
as a memorial to the sacrifice these men made. |
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Trenches
in this sector were extremely close. Engineers were given the
task of tunneling underneath the enemy trench, with the intention
of then detonating mines directly underneath the front line.
The resulting chaos would allow rapid advances to be made. Often,
as is the case at this part of Vimy Ridge, the combatants would
take up positions on opposite sides of the resulting crater.
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Canadian
officers had each been provided with detailed information about
the defenses on Vimy Ridge, the briefing that they received
was way in advance of those provided throughout much of the
war to the vast majority of officers. It was this thorough planning
and a great deal of commitment, bravery and guts that enabled
the Canadian forces to successfully take the Ridge. |
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In
trench warfare the loss of a trench most likely meant the loss
of the weapons in it. Here are two examples of armaments being
deserted by a rapidly retreating army. |
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| Vimy
Ridge was granted to the people of Canada by the people of France
as a mark of thanks for the role that the Canadian armed forces
played in defending the city of Arras. This site is a poignant
reminder of the suffering and pain caused by war. Near to the
Canadian War memorial is a small but very worthwhile exhibition
outlining the history of Vimy Ridge. It is well worth a visit.
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