VIMY RIDGE AND THE BATTLE OF ARRAS
In 1915, the French and British armies tried unsuccessfully to reclaim Vimy ridge from its German stronghold.However, in conjunction with the Battle of Arras in the spring of 1917, the four Canadian Divisions together for the first time planned and successfully launched an impressive attack.
Using a rolling barrage, on April 9 1917, 20 000 Canadian soldiers crept out of the trenches. The battle lasted for 4 days, ending on April 12 with the capture of a heavily fortified position known as "the pimple".
The casualties were heavy. Of 10,602 injured, 3 598 died of their wounds. 20,000 German soldiers were injured or killed.
4 Victoria's Crosses were received in this battle.