JFK+50: Volume 7, No. 2274
BATTALIONS OF CANADA, ENGLAND & SCOTLAND VICTORIOUS ON WESTERN FRONT
London (JFK+50) One hundred years ago, April 9, 1917, Canadian, British & Scottish battalions launched a series of assaults on the Western Front covering an area of 12 miles.
With Arras* as the pivotal point, the Germans were driven from many vital positions and the Allies penetrated far into the German lines. In addition to inflicting heavy casualties, 12 towns and villages were captured.
Captured territory included Vimy Ridge** behind which lay the principle coal fields of France still in German control. The Canadians, flanked by British and Scottish battalions, also captured three German commanders.
*Arras, France was located 6.2 miles from the front lines of battle in WWI. The city was the scene of battles in 1914, 1917 & 1918. By war's end, 3/4 of the city had been destroyed & had to be rebuilt. Today the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, built in 1936, is situated nearby.
**Battle at Vimy Ridge, described as a turning point in Canada's history as 4 divisions went into battle together as a single fighting unit for the first time. The Battle marks the beginning of Canada's transformation into an independent nation.
SOURCES
"British Win Big Battle," The Chicago Daily Tribune, April 10, 1917, www.archives.chicagotribune.com/
"The Battle At Vimy Ridge," www.vimyfoundation.ca/
Ghosts of Vimy Ridge
Portrait by Will Longstaff
Canadian House of Commons
Collection (1931)
BATTALIONS OF CANADA, ENGLAND & SCOTLAND VICTORIOUS ON WESTERN FRONT
London (JFK+50) One hundred years ago, April 9, 1917, Canadian, British & Scottish battalions launched a series of assaults on the Western Front covering an area of 12 miles.
With Arras* as the pivotal point, the Germans were driven from many vital positions and the Allies penetrated far into the German lines. In addition to inflicting heavy casualties, 12 towns and villages were captured.
Captured territory included Vimy Ridge** behind which lay the principle coal fields of France still in German control. The Canadians, flanked by British and Scottish battalions, also captured three German commanders.
*Arras, France was located 6.2 miles from the front lines of battle in WWI. The city was the scene of battles in 1914, 1917 & 1918. By war's end, 3/4 of the city had been destroyed & had to be rebuilt. Today the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, built in 1936, is situated nearby.
**Battle at Vimy Ridge, described as a turning point in Canada's history as 4 divisions went into battle together as a single fighting unit for the first time. The Battle marks the beginning of Canada's transformation into an independent nation.
SOURCES
"British Win Big Battle," The Chicago Daily Tribune, April 10, 1917, www.archives.chicagotribune.com/
"The Battle At Vimy Ridge," www.vimyfoundation.ca/
Ghosts of Vimy Ridge
Portrait by Will Longstaff
Canadian House of Commons
Collection (1931)
