Why Is The Battle Of Vimy Ridge Significant

Topic and Thesis Statement: The topic of this essay will concern the disastrous assault on Verrières Ridge by the Royal Highland Regiment (Black Watch) of Canada on the 25th and 27th of July, 1944. Codenamed OPERATION SPRING, the Battle of Verrières Ridge one of many battles that occurred in the overreaching Battle of Normandy beginning on June 6th, 1944. The significance of this historic event will be examined using the following thesis: The disaster of the OPERATION SPRING and the Battle of Verrières Ridge can be directly attributed to poor weather conditions postponing the assault, allowing for the reinforcement of the ridge by German forces.

They were aiding their allies who were against the Germans. Canadians had two British divisions on their right, and two French army divisions on their left. One British officer remembered, "The Germans held the higher ground and were able to fire into our Allied trenches. "(Ypres 1915) Salient was a dangerous place to defend as it was surrounded on three sides by enemy soldiers and artillery.

The source written by Andrew Iarocci, examines the first year of the 1st Canadian Division in the First World War, and focuses exclusively on the soldiers' overseas experiences. In the book, Iarocci challenges the view that the 1st Canadian Division soldiers were poorly prepared for the First World War, and were not at all effective during some key battles in 1915. The book's focus is to look primarily at how Canadian's fought in the First World War, and with the help of the many sources the book incorporates, such as many research documents in the form of letters, diaries and the battlefields themselves, Iarocci is able to give the reader a solid perspective on how Canadian soldiers fared in the war. The book provides the Canadian soldiers'

Over a four month period, both sides suffered huge losses, including almost 25,000 Canadians. The Battle of Vimy Ridge also played a very important role in generating Canadian nationalism. Vimy Ridge is a seven-kilometre ridge of land in northern France. In 1917, the Canadian Corps was ordered to capture this ridge. When the battle began, thousands of Canadians came out of the trenches and advanced towards the German line.

From September 1944 to April 1945, Canada fought the German soldiers starting in Normandy all the way to the Netherlands, successfully liberating the Scheldt estuary, the Netherlands, and driving the Nazis back into Germany. By examining historical significance, one can see that Canada’s involvement in the liberation of the Netherlands and Europe was highly important; it ended the war, cost many Canadians their lives, created an enduring friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, displayed Canada’s strength as a nation, and saved numerous innocent lives. Firstly, the campaign to liberate the Netherlands and Europe ended the War in Europe. In February 1945, the Allies launched the Rhine offensive that drove German forces back over the Rhine

This fort was so strong and important because it had control over the passageway to Canada. having the fort only one side can safely pass into Canada and join forces with the country. The fort was also a great observation spot for enemies (Fort Ticonderoga 1775 1). Only one side can have the fort and have a higher advantage. The fort helped keep even ground with the British in the end but there's more.

In return showing the world how strong they truly were and that they did not need Britian. In addition, Canada initiated their never before seen tactics to win the battle of Vimy Ridge. They designed new strategy and tactics such as the rolling barrage to defeat the germans at Vimy. According to D.J Goodspeed “No matter what the constitutional historians may say, it was on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, and not on any other date that Canada became a nation.” The British thought that that Canadians were crazy for attempting such maneuvers.

Located in northern France, the heavily-fortified seven-kilometre ridge held a commanding view over the Allied lines. The Canadians attacked over an open graveyard since previous French attacks had been unsuccessful with over 100,000 casualties. Canadians tested different tactics than the Regular British Army which resulted in Canada’s victory. Arthur Currie created a replica of the battle grounds, which he allowed his soldiers to train in. All soldiers knew the plan and were instructed to use a tactic called the Vimy Slide, which was when soldiers would move 100 yards every 3 minutes.

In fact, Vimy Ridge remained under Control of the British throughout the entire duration of the War. Moreover, after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Arthur Currie became the new Commander of the Canadian Corps. The promotion of Arthur Currie was significant as it was the first time that the Canadian Corps was managed by a Canadian person. Furthermore, the strategy that the Canadians used to capture Vimy Ridge was incredibly successful, so much so that the Allied countries adopted the same strategy. This ultimately allowed the Allies to prevail against the enemy forces and gain an advantage during World War 1.

Vimy Ridge is a hill in France that was Germany’s key defence system which was captured by Canadian soldiers from Germany in World War 1. Since then, many people have argued about whether it was a successful and defining moment for Canada or not. One side argues that too many lives were lost at the cost of capturing Vimy. The other side argues that it was important because it was a defining moment and success due to the Canadians who conquered the hill when the British and French could not, they were prepared by their commander and trained very hard for the battle, which leads them to victory and earned many awards. Even though many lives were lost, it is highly unquestionable that the Battle of Vimy Ridge was a successful and defining moment

The battle at Vimy Ridge was a defining moment for Canada as a nation. The reasons for such success during this battle was because of the prelude to the battle, because of the fact that the battle would be the first time that an all-Canadian force had fought in a major battle, and because of innovative strategies and tactics used to defeat the enemy. Vimy Ridge was an extremely sought-after vantage point during WWI. Vimy Ridge is located in northern France, and is about eight kilometers long. The reason that Vimy Ridge was so important was because it was seen as an excellent defense point for the Germans, who captured the plain early in the war.

One in every three men was a casualty, resulting in over 2000 Canadian deaths. However, all casualties were exceptional, as it advanced the Allies. The Battle of Ypres proved that Canada once again earned its name and created Canadian history and identity. Just like all heroes leave their footprints, so did the soldiers. Fisher, Captain Francis Alexander, Lieutenant Edward, and Sergeant-Major Frederick William were awarded the Victoria Cross.

His in-depth understanding of military tactics, combined with his meticulous planning and attention to detail allowed him to effectively analyze complex situations and make intelligent counter strategies. Currie's strategic brilliance enabled him to make well-informed decisions, adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield, and exploit weaknesses in the enemy's defenses (2). This approach not only maximized the effectiveness of his forces but also minimized casualties and achieved significant victories. Currie's strategic brilliance was evident during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He meticulously planned every aspect of the battle, from troop movements to artillery placements.

The battle of Vimy Ridge was not originally a 3 day battle, this had been an ongoing battle since the beginning of the war. With over one hundred thousand French and British casualties it seemed as if no allied force would be able to claim Vimy Ridge. Canada was able to implement new battle strategies, “They adopted a new combat philosophy, implemented daring field tactics, leveraged new technology and embraced a revolutionary command structure. In the process they created a modern model of warfare, which is still in use today.” ("Vimy Ridge Innovation & Leadership Lessons for Today")

This was the first ever battle where gas was introduced. It was brought by the Germans and swept the French trenches (Christie, 9). The French retreated and the Canadians had to hold down the trenches. Germans attacked when the gas cleared and the position was held by The Royal Highlanders from Montréal. Because of Canada’s selfishness, they helped win this battle.