VIMY RIDGE Karrie McEwan Kierra Thompson

THE TUNNELS The tunnels were essentially an area where soldiers were sent to rest as they were kept at the back line. In time of trench warfare these dugouts were essential as if all troops were at the front line we would tire out faster and inevitably lose. They were also used for transporting troops safely and to place the underground mines that are still in place on the grounds of Vimy Ridge to this day making it unsafe for people to walk on its grounds. 1000s of miners were used to build these vast tunnels

THE TRENCHES Majority of the battle took place in what is called trench warfare, both sides would take heavy casualties from both German fire and artillery even deadly gas Soldiers had to suffer through conditions that was just constant mud and corpses at their feet Essentially the trenches were a dug out area of land that gave some safety from the gun fire

LETTERS SENT HOME Saturday April 14, 1917 My Own Darling Kitty, Hear I am sitting in my dug out back of the line and have found a minute to write you a wee line, as I know how you'll be worrying & wondering how I'm keeping. Well darling no doubt the papers will be full of the great Canadian advance & I must say I'm truly thankful & the Almighty has spared me this far & I only trust He will bring me safely through & back to my loved ones. Our Company were lucky & we were a "carrying party", we had to bring up ammunition & supplies for the attacking party. We were sent up to hold the front line for a while after the advance was over, although since Fritz has retired further back. We had a few boys killed & wounded Poor George Mowforth was killed & a couple more Tillsonburg boys, Stuart & Bolgarters & Hearsy was wounded. I had several narrow escapes but thank God I'm yet safe & well. I do hope & pray it will soon be all over as I don't want to see anything like it again. Things certainly look better every day & I hope they'll continue. Now darling I should not be telling you all this as you'll only worry all the more, but as long as I'm well there's no need to. I had a nice letter from Charlie Pearse, they are living in Coomben house opposite V.A. Sinclairs, he tells me their country house is empty & they might go back in the Spring if he can sell & he's in partners with Ira Frufitt. I also had a letter from Harry Murray & he says his mothers anxiously waiting a letter from you. Do write theres a dear. I try & write to them all. Have you heard from Vic & Blanche yet? Hows my little darling babe getting along. How her Daddy is longing for the day when he can take both her & her dear mother in his arms again. I live in that hope & pray it may be soon. Well love I haven't much more to say now. I'll write again soon. Give my best love to Mother, Dad & Maggie and little Sonny. Give my darling a big hug & a kiss & accept tons of love & kisses to your dear, dear self! Ever your own darling devoted hubby Jack This is a letter sent from the battle of Vimy Ridge, sent from a man named Jack who is writing to his wife back home, letters like these were sent throughout the war they were like that of a motivator to keep soldiers spirits high in hopes they return home to their families.

IMPORTANCE TO CANADIAN HISTORY Canadians made a large amount of important events during the war like defending themselves against poisonous gas. It was thanks to the effort of the Canadian soldiers that Vimy was able to be taken back from the Germans. Many Canadians gave their lives to the singular objective that none of the other allies could pull off.

CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE The battle gave Canadians a truly fearsome reputation on the battlefield thanks to their perseverance and tenacity. The victory of Vimy Ridge was a huge standing point in World War 1 and is considered one of the most important battles of the war due to the overall advantage the large area of land provided.

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