April 1917
The taking of Vimy Ridge was a great military accomplishment — Canadians had succeeded where others had failed. Of course, the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and died there were the essence of the victory, assisted by novel battle tactics and preparations.
Tactics
What lay before our sons just born – To crawl through a sand box mixed with blood. To form a line that eats, inch by inch, across a wasted strip of land coveted by all.
No Man's Land
Vimy Ridge was captured, but the battle continued.
Captures & Aftermath
Vimy Ridge was a memorial long before the actual monument was built.
First Memorials
After years of fighting in the region and after the final assault on April 9, 1917, the area surrounding Vimy Ridge was no more than a muddy field littered with bodies and shell holes. There was no vegetation except for a few dead trees. The countryside and the soldiers were not the only ones who suffered; surrounding towns, villages and farms were also hit hard. Many had to start from scratch.
Before & After- Date modified: