Vimy Ridge

The Oxford dictionary defines a monument as a statue or structure built to commemorate a person or event. Monuments are put up so we, as a society, remember the historical importance of that event or historic figure. These people or events are remembered so we can follow into the footsteps of these individuals or to learn from the accomplishments and mistakes of historical events. Monuments are usually built in the place of commemoration, where the historic figure or event becomes part of the landscape, the heart of the society and the pages of history. Such a monument can be adequately represented by the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. This memorial is dedicated to Canadian soldiers, whom are remembered for the heroic events in the battle of Vimy Ridge, by all the people and countries whom these soldiers touched. Vimy Ridge is an escarpment type landscape northeast of the city of Arras. The landscape has a steady rise on the western side and a steep cliff on the eastern from which the city of Arras can be seen. The ridge was an exceptional asset to control as it would enable the controller to see 10 kilometers in all directions from the top. The German took control of the ridge in October of 1914. The French has tried to seize control of the ridge on many occasions but were left unsuccessful in all attempts suffering 150 000 casualties in the process. The German army then expanded their control by attacking the newly positioned British army at the foot of the ridge by gaining many tunnels and mine carters. After this, the Canadian army replaced the British army at the base of the ridge in October 1916. On April 9th; the Canadian army, which consisted of all 4 Canadian divisions, began the attack to gain control of Vimy Ridge. Lieutenant General Sir Julian Byng commanded the Canadian army into battle. The first three divisions easily accomplished their first mission whereas the fourth division took a longer than expected. The fourth division once again had

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