When Great Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, Canada, as a colony of the British Empire, was automatically dragged into the battle over Vimy Ridge as well. This battle was also the first time when the Canadians were fighting as independent Corps.
Vimy Ridge was a major strategic position which had fallen under German control in 1914 during the Siefried offensive. With such defensive position in place, the German army set about destruction with ease. The Ridge also protected carbon mines which were essential in providing the Germans with weapons and heavy artillery. Occupying the Ridge meant having control over much of the region. There had been many attempts to capture Vimy Ridge by the other allied forces, but every attempt met with failure. The French attempts to gain control of the Ridge had bloody results with the loss of some 150 000 casualties. When the British relieved the French operations of the battle, they were instantly pushed back two kilometers before they could commence any definite planning.
In the winter of 1917, it was agreed that a simultaneous attack would take place on north and south of the Soissons-Arras border. As part of this plan, the Canadian corps, operating under the rule of British General Julian Byng, was tasked with the capture of Vimy Ridge. In their preparation to conquer, the Canadians constructed miles of tunnels through which the troops could pass so they were ready in the event of an attack. The main goal of this battle, besides conquering Vimy Ridge, was to breach the German defenses, so the allies could proceed in the direction towards Germany. This plan would also ensure a safe advancement towards the east. Planning for this battle was so extensive and tedious that many Canadian soldiers recall a British General saying, “You Canadians take all the fun out of war”. But this weary labor would pay off in the end, and Canada would become one of the only triumphant troops to come out victorious from the First...