Belgian History Lesson

Canadian military history is very important to my husband. One of the first places we would visit upon moving here would be Vimy Ridge. And Perry intends upon taking all our visitors there (be forewarned). Kyle would be no exception.

On December 23, they headed off to Arras, France.

View from the road

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a military engagement fought primarily as part of the Battle of Arras, during the First World War. The main combatants were the Canadian Corp, of four divisions, against three divisions of the German Sixth Army. The battle, which took place from 9 to 12 April 1917, cost 3,598 Canadian lives, with 7,004 wounded.

Trenches on the front line

The Battle of Vimy Ridge has considerable significance for Canada. Although the battle is not generally considered the greatest achievement of the Canadian Corps in terms of strategic importance or results obtained, it was the first instance in which all four Canadian divisions, made up of troops drawn from all parts of the country, fought as a cohesive formation. The image of national unity and achievement is what initially gave the battle importance for Canada.

No. 2 Canadian Cemetery at Vimy Ridge

On 2 January, we all headed west to Ypres.

The Battle of Passchendaele was one of the greatest campaigns of the First World War, taking place between July and November 1917. In a series of operations, the Allied armies under British command attacked the Imperial German Army The battle was fought for control of the ridge and village of Passchendaele (modern Passendale) near the city of Ypres in West Flanders, Belgium.

Tyne Cot Cemetery in Passchendaele

In October 1917, Canadian troops were called upon bring to enter the Battle and bring about a successful conclusion to this disastrous campaign which had been waged by British and ANZAC forces for some months with few objectives met. Canadian General Curries's predictions of 16,000 casualties would prove to be hauntingly accurate. The final total would be 15,654

Grave of a German Soldier at Tyne Cot Cemetery

With little fanfare and a grudging recognition of their deeds, the Canadian Corps had proven to all that their bravery, planning, training and skill had made them the elite Corps of the allied forces. With this killing ground behind them, the Canadians would take up their positions by Arras / Vimy / Lens and prepare to take on the final German defences of the Siegfried Line and in fact, lead the final assault that would bring the war to a close.

The Menin Gate - contains the names of 54,000 unknown soldiers

The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is a war memorial in Ypres, Belgium dedicated to the commemoration of British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient of the WWI and whose graves are unknown. The memorial is located at the eastern exit of the town and marks the starting point for one of the main roads out of the town that led Allied soldiers to the front line.

The Lloyd name on the panel for the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

Side view of Menin Gate

The Belgian and French countrysides are dotted with Canadian cemeteries. Western Europe owes a great debt to Canada. And they have not forgotten. An important part of their history, they take great pains to ensure that the younger generations understand and appreciate.