- Oct 17, 2015
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On 9 April 1917, a century ago today, the Canadian Corps hurled its four divisions against Vimy Ridge. This strong point in the German defenses had already repulsed massive assaults by the French and British. To everyone's surprise, except the Canadians, the German defenses crumbled. It was the first major battle in WW1 to be won by the Allies. It was a major breakthrough but the Allied High Command were taken by surprise and did not have the troops in place to exploit it. The soldiers of the Canadian Corps were grudgingly awarded a nickname by the German survivors --- they were called "shock troops". The kilted highland regiments of the Canadian Corps were similarly honoured --- they became "the ladies from hell". Historians now regard this battle as marking Canada's coming of age as a nation.
The Vimy Memorial.
The Statue of "Mother Canada" mourning her lost sons.
The Vimy Memorial.
The Statue of "Mother Canada" mourning her lost sons.
