Vimy Backgrounder

On Easter morning, 1917, in the frigid darkness that preceded a sleet-filled dawn, 170,000 troops of the Canadian Corps, including nearly 100,000 Canadians, prepared for battle. Before them lay a massive rise: a fortress of the earth, hardened against attack by all the deadly ingenuity of man. Vimy Ridge. It was their objective.  more »»

The Battle of Vimy Ridge

Always seeking the elusive breakthrough, the Allies planned to launch another massive offensive, which would take place early in 1917. A sweeping French attack would be launched in the south between Reims and Soissons, matched by an assault by the British First and Third Armies around Arras. While the Third Army advanced eastward along the Scarpe River, the Canadian Corps - with all four of its divisions together for the first time, and assisted by units of the First Army - would simultaneously deliver an attack against Vimy Ridge.  more »»

More First World War History

An assassination in Sarajevo in June 1914 went almost unnoticed in Canada. Few Canadians expected that it would lead to war; fewer still anticipated the sacrifices Canada would be called to make. Yet the war was to change dramatically the world they lived in, and in a very real sense the Canadian nation was born on the battlefields of Europe.  more »»

The Vimy National Memorial

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial was built by the people of Canada as a tribute to their countrymen who fought in the Great War and, particularly, to the more than 66,000 men who gave their lives. The land on which it rises, as well as the surrounding 100 hectares, were given to Canada by France in 1922, in gratitude for sacrifices made by Canada in the First World War and for the victory achieved by the Canadian Corps in capturing Vimy Ridge in April, 1917.  more »»

Photo Gallery

Step back in time to see the battlefield at Vimy Ridge as it was in 1917. Follow the construction of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial as it climbs, stone by stone, towards the sky. Experience the calm beauty of the site today. Explore the scope of Canada's First World War experience, captured in images.  more »»

Vimy VC Winners

During the First World War, 70 Canadians won the Victoria Cross, created to recognize conspicuous bravery, a pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. Four of these gallant Canadians would earn their place in history at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  more »»

Recollections

Hear Canadian veterans share their memories of the Vimy battlefield, and recall the horrors and excitement they experienced as young soldiers during the First World War.  more »»