The Canadian Corps was ordered to seize Vimy Ridge in April 1917, during World War I.
Many historians believe that Canada’s victory at Vimy was a defining moment for the country. By winning the battle after over 100,000 soldiers had already lost their lives, the relatively new country was considered for the first time as separate from Britain.
The victory also earned Canadian troops a solid reputation as formidable, effective soldiers.
But it came at a terrible cost, with more than 10,000 killed and wounded.
Vimy Ridge was a heavily-fortified seven-kilometre ridge in northern France that overlooked the Allied lines.
When Canadian troops launched their assault, it was over the open graves of Allied soldiers, as previous French attacks had failed – with a dramatic loss of over 100,000 casualties.
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