Military History Podcast

The Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 1917) was a turning point in WWI. It was the first great allied victory. It also continues to be the greatest event in modern Canada's military history.The 100,000 Canadians of the Canadian Corps were commanded by Arthur Currie. Currie began numerous preparations including:Giving maps to all Canadian troops, not just the officersTraining all Canadian troops on a replica of Vimy RidgeBuilding an elaborate tunnel system underneath no man's land in order to carry men to the enemy front lines more quicklyUse air support (including the famous Billy Bishop, a Canadian flying ace) to protect against German recon The actual battle began with a creeping barrage attack, in which over 1 million shells were fired by Canadian artillerymen. The creeping barrage was followed by 20,000 charging Canadian troops, who successfully all four trenches on Vimy Ridge. By midday on April 9th, Hill 145 and the Pimple (a high point) were taken.Four Victoria Crosses were awarded in the battle. 3000 Canad