Battle of Vimy Ridge facts for kids

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a very important World War I battle that happened in 1917. It took place near a town called Arras in northern France.

For a long time, from late 1914 until 1917, the German army controlled a high piece of land called a ridge. This ridge was about eight kilometers long. From this high spot, the Germans could see the Allied armies for many miles around.

The Allies tried several times to capture Vimy Ridge from the Germans, but they didn't succeed. Then, on April 9, 1917, they attacked again. Four groups, called divisions, of the Canadian army attacked three German divisions. The Germans were defending the ridge.

The Canadians won the battle on Easter Monday, 1917. This was a very special moment because it was the first time that Canadian soldiers attacked together as one national unit. However, the victory came at a high cost. The Canadians had 10,602 casualties, meaning soldiers who were killed, wounded, or went missing.

What Was World War I?

An observer from the Royal Flying Corps in a plane, taking pictures with a camera.

World War I was a huge global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved many countries from around the world. The main groups fighting were the Allies and the Central Powers. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was one of the many important battles during this war.

Why Was Vimy Ridge Important?

This map shows where the defending and attacking armies were before the battle.

Vimy Ridge was a very strategic location. This means it was a very good place to control because it was high up. Whoever held the ridge had a great view of the surrounding area. This allowed them to see enemy movements and plan attacks.

The Germans had built strong defenses on the ridge. They had trenches, barbed wire, and machine gun nests. This made it very difficult for any army to attack and capture it. Taking Vimy Ridge was a key goal for the Allies. It would help them move forward in their war plans.

The Canadian Attack Plan

This map shows the Canadian Corps' plan of attack, with different colored lines for their goals.

The Canadian army spent a lot of time planning their attack on Vimy Ridge. They learned from past mistakes made by other Allied armies. They practiced their movements and worked together very closely.

One new tactic they used was a "creeping barrage." This was when artillery guns fired shells just ahead of the advancing soldiers. This helped to protect the soldiers as they moved forward. It also kept the German defenders in their shelters.

They also dug many tunnels and underground shelters. These tunnels helped the soldiers get closer to the German lines safely. They also provided protection from enemy fire.

The Battle Begins

This map shows the "rolling artillery barrage" used by the Canadians as they advanced.

The attack started on April 9, 1917, which was Easter Monday. The Canadian soldiers moved forward behind the creeping artillery barrage. They faced heavy fire from the German defenses.

Despite the challenges, the Canadians fought bravely. They used their careful planning and training to overcome the German positions. By the end of the first day, they had captured most of the ridge.

Victory and Legacy

German soldiers who were captured during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The battle continued for a few more days. By April 12, 1917, the Canadians had completely captured Vimy Ridge. This was a major victory for the Allies. It showed that careful planning and teamwork could lead to success.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge became a symbol of Canadian bravery and sacrifice. It was the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together as one group. This helped to build a strong sense of Canadian national identity.

Today, the Vimy Ridge Memorial stands in France. It honors the Canadian soldiers who fought and died there. It is a place where people remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served.

Images for kids

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  Location of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

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  Byng during the battle

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  The Canadian Corps plan of attack outlining the four coloured objective lines – Black, Red, Blue and Brown

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  German dispositions at Vimy Ridge on the first day of the battle

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  Map showing rolling artillery barrage for advance

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  Large model of German trench lines

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  British-dug fighting tunnel in Vimy sector

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  Observer of the Royal Flying Corps in a photographic reconnaissance aircraft, showing the camera

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  Position of the defending and attacking forces before the battle

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  6-inch (150 mm) gun of the Royal Garrison Artillery behind Canadian lines, firing over Vimy Ridge at night

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  Artillery-fire on a field of barbed wire at Vimy Ridge

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  Machine gunners operating from craters on the plateau above the ridge

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  Front page of the Daily Mail on 10 April 1917

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  Vimy as seen from Vimy Ridge May 1917

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  German soldiers captured during the battle.

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  Lt.-Gen. Sir Julian Byng views some Trench Mortars captured by the Canadians at Vimy Ridge. The large mortar in foreground is a 24 cm LadungsWerfer Ehrhardt.

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  King Edward VIII unveiling the figure Canada Bereft on the Vimy Ridge Memorial

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  Ghosts of Vimy Ridge, painting by Will Longstaff

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de la cresta de Vimy para niños