1. The Canadian Battles – Vimy Ridge CHC2P / D Ms. Pannell
World War 1
The Canadian Battles – Vimy Ridge
CHC2P / D
Ms. Pannell

2. Vimy Ridge
Objective
To seize Vimy Ridge, a long whale like hump of land 60 meters above the Douai Plain.
It had been occupied by Germans since the beginning of the war and was heavily fortified.
Previous Allied attacks of Vimy Ridge had failed

4. Vimy Ridge
Why Vimy?
Vimy Ridge offered strategic advantage since it provided an excellent view of the industrial areas of German occupied France. This area was vital to the German ‘war machine’

5. Unique to the Battle of Vimy Ridge
April 9-12, 1917
First time that all four Canadian divisions would fight together as a single unit under the command of Canadian officer Arthur Currie and British General Byng.

6. Preparation for Battle
Soldiers given maps
Studied air photos
Model built
Practiced maneuvers – new one call “creeping barrage”
Railway constructed to bring munitions to front lines
All 4 Canadian divisions fought together

8. Vimy Ridge Soldiers used new maneuver called a “creeping barrage”
“Creeping Barrage” involved a curtain of gunfire and artillery just in front of advancing troops

9. Vimy Ridge
At a cost of 3500 Canadian lives the German line was broken and the allies had won a much needed victory.
Canadians proved themselves as a nation
Currie was promoted to Commander of the Canadian Corps

10. Vimy Victory – Birth of a Nation