Battle of Vimy Ridge and Memorial

The Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought from April 9-12, 1917, was the opening phase of the British-led Battle of Arras. The main combatants were five divisions of the Canadian Corps totaling 170,000 men against three divisions of the German Sixth Army totaling 40,000 men.

The Canadian objective was control of the German-held high ground to ensure the advance of the Allied southern flank. Supported by a creeping barrage, the Canadian Corps captured most of the ridge during the first day of the attack. The crest of the ridge fell during the second day of the attack, once the Canadian Corps overcame considerable German resistance. The final objective, a fortified knoll located outside the town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle, fell to the Canadian Corps on April 12. The German forces then retreated to the Oppy–Méricourt line. 6,000 Canadians died in this conflict. German casualties are unknown.