Ex Magpie Progress 25 - Vimy Ridge

 

Canadian Memorial Vimy Ridge IJ

The capture of the vital ground of Vimy Ridge was an essential pre-requisite to the Arras offensive. The ridge dominated the Douai Plane and Scarpe Valley which were the areas where the operation would be conducted. 

Vimy Ridge view across Douai Plane

The capture of Vimy Ridge was entrusted to the Canadians. 

At 05:30 9th April 1917 the Canadian assault on Vimy Ridge commenced. 

Canadian Troops Vimy Ridge

The four assault divisions of the Canadian Corps left their trenches after a five minute hurricane bombardment, a technique developed by the Russians during the Brusilov Offensive.

Canadian TArtillery Vimy Ridge

A creeping barrage saw the Canadian infantry moving  forward on predicted fire lines at 2 rounds per minute, lifting 100 yards every 3 minutes.  

Barrage Map Vimy Ridge

By the afternoon 9th April most of Vimy Ridge was under Canadian control, the remaining part being captured the following day.

Canadian Soldiers Vimy ridge overlooking village of Vimy

The significance of Vimy Ridge to the Canadians was such that it was chosen as the Canadian National Memorial dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force killed during the First World War. 

The foundation stones were laid in 1925 and construction took 11 years. It was unveiled by King Edward VIII on 26th July 1936. 

Canadian Memorial Vimy Ridge

Canadian Memorial Vimy Ridge

Canadian Vimy Ridge Memorial Park

Canadian Vimy Ridge Memorial Park

Canadian Vimy Ridge Memorial Park

Canadian Vimy Ridge Memorial Park

Somme 2023 - Mouquet Farm

 Mouquet Farm is situated on the Pozières Ridge between Thiepval and Pozières.

Mouquet Farm pre War

The position was a German strongpoint consisting of a network of trenches connected by cellars and tunnels.

Mouquet Farm defences June 1916

The Australians captured Pozières on 4th August, and from Mouquet Farm, the Germans could subject them to enfilade fires. The Australians launched their first attack on the stronhold on 5th August, and in heavy fighting and artillery bombardments, they slowly fought their way towards the farm.

They Aussies were relieved by the Canadians on the 5th September having sustained 6,300 casualties. The Canadian 3rd Division finally captured the farm on 16 September, only for it to be lost in a German counter-attack.

It was eventually re-captured, and secured,  on 26 September during an attack by the 11th (Northern) Division during the Battle of Thiepval Ridge (26–28 September). 

Mouquet Farm after the Battle

Mouquet Farm after the Battle

Mouquet Farm March 2023

Mouquet Farm Australian March 2023

Somme 2023 - Courcelette

Following the disaster of the opening day of the Battle of the Somme, the British had moved their front line forward in a series of attacks, building on the rare successes on the 1st July 1916, south of the Albert-Bapaume Road. 

In September 1916, it was decided to launch a broader offensive to capture Courcelette, Martinpunch, Flers, and secure a flank extending to north of Combles. This would secure ground in order to attack towards to Guedcourt, Lesbouefs and Morval, the aim being to break the German line to allow the Cavalry to exploit in depth. 

The Canadian Corps, in their first offensive on the Somme, were tasked with the capture of the village of Courcelette. Attacking along a frontage of 2,000 metres, the 2nd Canadian Division would attack Courcelette, the 3rd Canadian Division securing the left flank towards Thiepval. In preparation for the attack, there would be a 3 day preliminary bombardment. 

Canadian axis of attack towards Courcelette

Canadian axis of attack towards Courcelette

In what would become designated as the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, tanks would be used for the very first time in warfare, with six being allocated to support the Canadians. 

Battle Flers-Courcelette Mark I Tank

The attack was launched on 15th September 1916 at 06:20, the Canadians advancing behind a creeping barrage. 

By 08:00, a defensive strong point known as the Sugar Factory was captured. 

Canadians capturing Sugar Factory

Battle of Flers Courcelette ruins of the Sugar Factotry 
 IWM (CO 859)

Sugar Factory location March 2023

Only one tank reached thier objective, the rest were either disabled by shellfire, failed mechanically or got stuck in an obstacle. They did however achieve some success, rolling over barbed wire, firing into trenches and engaging machine gun emplacements, before becoming disabled. This presence did strike fear in the Germans, causing some of then to surrender at the mere sight of them.

Battle Flers-Courcelette - Tanks supporting Canadians

The 2nd Canadian Division fought their way into Courcelette, capturing the village and repelling German counter attacks. By the 16th September they had consolidated their position.

Canadians Battle of Courcelette

Courcelette 1916

Courcelette 1916 Ruined Church

Courcelette Church March 2023

Over the forthcoming weeks, the three Canadian Divisions (1/2/3) attacked the German lines to try to capture the Regina Trench. Their endeavours failed.

It would take until the 11th November for the newly arrived 4th Canadian Division to capture the Regina Trench, battling both the enemy and the Somme mud.

The Canadians sustained 24,029 casualties on the Somme. A memorial to the men of the Canadian Corps is situated just outside of the village Courcelette.

Courcelette Canadian Memorial

A granite block bears the inscription 

THE CANADIAN CORPS BORE A VALIANT PART IN FORCING BACK THE GERMANS ON THESE SLOPES DURING THE BATTLES OF THE SOMME SEPT. 3RD - NOV. 18TH 1916

Courcelette Canadian Memorial