100 Days: Cambrai (CAF)

First World War

100 Days: Cambrai (CAF)

Transcript

CAMBRAI, FRANCE - Mr. Christian Dhénin (Deputy Mayor of Cambrai): Allied successes in September 1918 had breached the last main line of enemy defence and the victory by the Canadian Corps at Bourlon Wood had opened the road to Cambrai. Days sixty-three to sixty-six: When the Canadians launched their offensive to liberate us, they discovered a city on fire. Conditions that were already very difficult became worse as the enemy retreated. A population of 32,000 before the war had been reduced to 2,000 refugees… homeless, malnourished and suffering with many widows and orphans. Although an allied victory was by now certain, enemy resistance remained fierce. The successes of the previous weeks came at a high cost: 1,500 Canadian officers and 30,000 soldiers killed. The arrival of the Canadians on October 9th was the date of our emancipation but - equally important - it was the day our community could begin to heal and rebuild itself. Thank you, Canada.

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