French battle marks Canada’s moment
Print Edition
CANADIAN Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was to lead the commemorations yesterday for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France, considered a founding moment in his nation's history.
Trudeau was to be joined at a ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial by French President Francois Hollande and Britain's Prince Charles and his sons Princes William and Harry.
Around 20,000 Canadians made the journey to the memorial in northern France to mark the centenary of the battle which was one of the defining moments of World War I.
Canadian troops fought under Canadian command as a united force for the first time there, defeating the German forces in just three days, although they paid a heavy price with 3,600 Canadians killed and 7,000 wounded.
"The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a turning point in the First World War and for Canada, when Canadians acted — and fought — as one," Trudeau said ahead of the commemorations.
"At Vimy Ridge, we will mark this great victory, and pay tribute to every Canadian who answered the call to serve."
The battle began early on April 9, 1917 and was part of a larger British-led offensive that included Australian soldiers, known as the Battle of Arras, which was a diversionary tactic to assist a major French attack further south.
It was the first time that four military divisions from Canada fought together as the Canadian Corps.
In bright spring sunshine, the crowd at the memorial site was a sea of red t-shirts, many of them showing the Canadian flag.
Ken Piggott, 54, a retired army captain from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, who was wearing full military uniform and a row of medals, said: "Vimy is important because it was the first time that Canadians fought together under Canadian command. It was an important step in shaking off British colonial rule.
"For that reason, it is a huge source of pride for me."
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