Walter Victor McIlmoyle

Vimy Ridge was about 7 km long and had 145 m of elevation. Vimy was very important to the German defense system, who had captured it in October of 1914.Beginning on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, at 5:30 a.m. marks one of the greatest battles fought and won by Canadian troops, being the first time that Canadians had fought as a single national unit apart from the British Empire. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was fought between 4 divisions of the Canadian Corps, and 3 divisions of the German Sixth Army. The battle lasted from April 9-12, 1917. The objective of the Canadian troops was to take control of the German-secured ridge. The Allies had planned to attack Vimy ridge, each at timed intervals. A French attack would be carried in the South, the British armies (First and Third) would attack around the Arras, and while this happened, all 4 divisions of the Canadian Corps, for the first time, would attack Vimy Ridge simultaneously, and side by side. The Canadian Corps was led by Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng, planning to capture the heights of hill 135, then 145. During the attack. Over 15,000 men of Canadian infantry invaded the ridge, overrunning Germans. On the first day, almost all of Vimy had been captured by Canadians, with incredible success, thanks to the exceptional planning, and training, and powerful artillery preparation. Canadian troops would fire suppressing artillery, and minors would explode the enemy trenches from underneath. By April the 10th, the Canadian forces had captured Hill 145, and by the 12th, the Pimple. In the end, The Battle of Vimy Ridge was indeed a great victory, but also a great loss. 3,598 Canadian troops were dead, of the 10, 602 casualties. Through the bravery, and sacrifice made by many Canadians that day, marks one of the greatest achievements, not only for Canada but for the world.