Thursday 13 October 2011

VICTORY

April 13th, 1917
  We did it!! We took Vimy Ridge!  Its been a tough 4 days of battle, with many lives lost and plenty of others wounded, however, we have finally done what no other nation could.  This has been one of the most important battles in the war, and could eventually lead to the defeat of the Germans.  This battle will make Canadian history, and may have been one of the greatest accomplishments of that Canadian military, or possibly even the entire history of the country.  On behalf of the Prime Minister Borden, the Canadian Government, and the Canadian Military, we thank all those who risked their lives in this battle, and will always remember those who died in it.  You have done a great job Canada, and have put our country on the map!
 - Arthur Currie - Commander of the First Canadian Divison

Update on Battle

April 11th, 1911
  Its been a rough few days since the battle started.  Many brave Canadians have lost their lives fighting for their country.  Those who died will never be forgotten, and died knowing that they were fighting for their country.  We have, however, made great progress so far.  We have gained more land then any who have tried before us.  I predict that we will win this battle within the next few days.
 - Arthur Currie - Commander of the First Canadian Division

The Big Day

April 8th, 1917
  Tomorrow is the big day.  Tomorrow is the moment we've all been waiting for.  Tomorrow is the most important battle in Canadian history.
    We leave tomorrow at exactly 5:30 a.m.  We expect all of our soldiers up at 4:30 a.m. to make final preparations for the battle.  We know this is really early, and that this does not leave opportunity to get much sleep, but it is extremely important that we know exactly what we are going to do tomorrow.  This is the most important moment in all of our lives, and we should not take any chances.
     We advise that you each review the battle plan once before you go to bed.  Try to get too bed as soon as possible so that you can get as much rest as you can.  Good luck soldiers, you are doing a great thing for your county.
 - Arthur Currie - Commander of the First Canadian Division

A Video of our Preparation

April 4th, 1917

Pictures of our Preparation

April 3rd, 1917




Some photos taken during the preparation for the battle.

A week Before the Battle

April 2nd, 1917
  The day is getting closer, we go for battle only a week from today, on April 9th.  We have increased the amount of artillery shells fired at the Germans today.  We will be firing almost non-stop up until when the battle begins.  We will continue to fire artillery during the battle as supporting fire, but we will be slowing down on how much we fire compared to know.
  Each soldier will soon be assigned a specific role for the battle.  The three options are: machine guns, rifle men, or grenade throwers.  Each option is equally as important as the next.  By tommorow, each soldier shall know their role, and should start preparing on what they are going to do during the battle.
  We advise each soldier to continue to review the battle plan, as we should be as prepared as possible for the battle.
 - Arthur Currie - Commander of the First Canadian Division

An Update on Preparations

March 20th, 1917
  Training has been going exactly as planned.  We have successfully mastered our battle plan using the models of the battlefield, and the maps, that soldiers were given.  The winter, while it was extremely cold, and conditions were horrible, is over, and we are soon going to start the battle.  Today is the day where we will start firing artillery at the Germans, up the ridge.  We are trying to do as much damage as possible before we actually start the battle.  Hang in there guys, I know we can do this.  We WILL do the impossible!  We WILL capture Vimy Ridge!
  - Arthur Currie - Commander of the First Canadian Division