What were tunnels used for in Vimy Ridge?
Vimy Ridge has become famous for its tunnels. These had a two-fold purpose. They were used as underground protection for the Canadian soldiers as they moved to the frontline. However, they were also used for the placing of huge underground mines beneath the German trenches.
How many tunnels were dug at Vimy Ridge?
Working at night, tunnelling companies used the existing tunnels to build a new underground network for the Vimy assault. As well, they dug 12 deep subways, totalling more than five kilometres in length, through which assault troops could move to their jumping-off points.
Were there trenches in Vimy Ridge?
Each year thousands of tourists visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and tour the First World War tunnels and trenches. The trenches were muddy, wet and rat-infested during the war, but today parts have been reinforced with concrete to be preserved for tourists.
What was the creeping barrage Vimy Ridge?
The Canadians also planned to use a tactic called the “creeping barrage”. The goal of the creeping barrage was to create a line of shellfire just in front of the Canadian troops and then keep it moving forward like a shield so that the soldiers could move behind it, across the battlefield.
How many Canadians took part in the Battle of Vimy Ridge How many died?
The Battle of Vimy Ridge proved to be a great success, but it only came at a heavy cost. The some 100,000 Canadians who served there suffered more than 10,600 casualties, nearly 3,600 of which were fatal.
How did Canada prepare for Vimy Ridge?
In preparation for the Vimy assault, engineers had dug kilometres of tunnels under no man’s land, equipped with lighting and water. There were also “subways” leading in all directions that opened up at specific spots. The subways protected soldiers from shelling and allowed for the movement of the injured.
How many German soldiers died in the Battle of Vimy Ridge?
20,000 casualties
The four-day battle was over, and Vimy Ridge was finally in Allied hands — a stunning, but costly victory. The fighting left 3,598 Canadians dead and another 7,000 wounded. There were an estimated 20,000 casualties on the German side. Another 4,000 Germans were taken prisoner.