End of an Era - Vimy Ridge

[Icebox Bob]

Today marks the 93rd anniversary of the commencement of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and memorial services are being held in both in Canada and in  France.

Today's memorials are especially signficant.  It is the first time we are without a living veteran.  The last Canadian WW1 veteran: John Babcock passed away on February 18, 2010, in Spokane Washington.  He had joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1916 in Sydenham, Ontario.

The Queen issued a special statement recognizing this year's events as a time to pay tribute "to the passing of a truly remarkable generation."  She credited Canadian soldiers with helping end what she called "the most terrible conflict the world had ever known" and called their sacrifice in World War I a "defining moment in the history of Canada...which we will never forget."

Vimy Ridge holds a special significance to Canadians.  From the Canadian Encyclopaedia:

"The long, low ridge formed a key position linking the Germans' new Hindenburg Line to their main trench lines leading north from Hill 70 near Arras, France. Both British and French forces had tried unsuccessfully to take the ridge earlier during the war. In spring 1917 the task was given to the Canadian Corps, commanded by British Lt-Gen Sir J.H.G. Byng.

After careful training and rehearsal, and supported by almost 1000 artillery pieces, the Canadians attacked along a 6.4 km front on 9 April 1917. It was the first time the Canadians attacked together, and they achieved a magnificent victory, sweeping the Germans off the ridge. By April 14 they had gained more ground, more guns, and more prisoners than any previous British offensive had done. Canadian casualties mounted to 10,602, of which 3,598 were killed. Nevertheless the sense of achievement and national pride created by this success gave the Canadians a great feeling of self-confidence. The Canadian Corps was to gain recognition as an elite corps."

[St. George]

I've walked that battlefield...

Impressive work was done by those boys.

Good Bless Them.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

The victory at Vimy Ridge is the moment when Canada became an independent nation.  Canada's successes in WWI led to becoming a signatory to the Treaty of Versailles, and a member of the League of Nations.