Why is the Vimy Ridge memorial important?
Why is the Vimy Ridge memorial important?
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial not only marks the site of Canada’s most significant First World War engagement, it also stands as a tribute to all Canadians who served during the First World War, particularly those killed in France whose final resting place was unknown.
Were there trenches in the Battle of Vimy Ridge?
Germany captured Vimy Ridge early in the war and transformed it into a strong defensive position, with a complex system of tunnels and trenches manned by highly trained soldiers with many machine guns and artillery pieces.
What were the trenches like in Vimy Ridge?
Each year thousands of tourists visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and tour the First World War tunnels and trenches. The trenches were muddy, wet and rat-infested during the war, but today parts have been reinforced with concrete to be preserved for tourists.
How have we memorialized the Battle of Vimy Ridge?
After being exposed to the harsh climate of northern France for decades, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial required an extensive restoration which began in late 2004. It was officially rededicated on April 9, 2007, on the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Why was trench warfare important to Canada?
While trenches gave troops some degree of shelter and protection, they were an obvious scar on the landscape and could be easily seen by reconnaissance aircraft. Hence why the Canadians had a very good idea where the German trenches were and where their supply lines fed into them.
What was the significance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge?
In the battle, 3598 Canadians were killed and 7000 were wounded (Cook). Casualties for the Germans totaled over 20 000 (Cook). The victory was one of the only major advances on the Western Front for either side. This battle was extremely significant for Canadian troops in terms of confidence and morale.
Where are the trenches at the Vimy Ridge Memorial?
As part of the memorial at Vimy, reconstructed trenches snake around the grounds where they would have stood over 100 years ago. Through Streetview, these can be explored digitally.
Is the Battle of Vimy Ridge on Google Maps?
Vimy Ridge is not the only Canadian memorial overseas that can be explored in Google Maps. Several key locations related to the Battle of the Somme, one of the most brutal battles for Canadian soldiers during the war, are on Google Streetview.
How many Canadians died in the Battle of Vimy Ridge?
The massive battle that began on April 9, 1917 was ultimately a triumph for Canadians and for Allied Forces, but more than 3,000 soldiers died in the attack. The towering white memorial at Vimy took eleven years to build, and the base is engraved with the names of 11,285 Canadians who died in France and have no recorded resting place.
