You’ve seen it in the news, you’ve heard about it on CBC Radio, and you’ll likely notice it in the papers. Vimy 100 is fast approaching! If you’re not Justin Trudeau or one of the thousands of students attending Vimy with Explorica, you may not know why #Vimy100 is trending on social media.
Here’s a short and sweet summary and fast facts about Vimy 100:
- “Vimy 100” references Veterans Affairs Canada’s commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Vimy, France on April 9. This is an international event hosted by the Government of Canada to recognize Canadian war and peace efforts abroad. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend.
- The Battle of Vimy Ridge was fought during the First World War in Vimy, located in northern France as part of the wider battle of Arras. It began on 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917. That’s 100 years ago!
- It’s a unique battle because all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together at a time when Canada was part of the British Empire. Canada was not its own country at the time so this was a major step towards the birth of our nation.
- The Battle was a major achievement owing to both technical and tactical innovations, strong artillery preparation, and meticulous planning; all despite a strong Axis front held by experienced Germans.
- The result of successfully capturing Vimy was a significant step towards advancing Allied efforts towards the south.
- It lasted 4 days but came with a grueling cost: 10,602 casualties of which 3,598 died.
- The victory at Vimy Ridge afforded Canada our own signature on the Versailles Peace Treaty, ending the War and building momentum towards Canada’s growing unity as one nation.
Learn more with Veterans Affairs Canada’s “Fast Facts”.