Canada comes of age
Canadian and British engineers and miners dug deep tunnels and subways through which troops could move up to their starting line protected from enemy shelling. These tunnels were fitted with water supplies, electricity and telephones. Mines were dug under German lines. Careful preparations were made to treat and evacuate rapidly those who become casualties, to move the dead and to remove prisoners. Close to the front line there was even an underground hospital. More than 300 kilometres of telephone cables were buried two metres deep along the Corps front to ensure continuity of communication.
Portable bridges were constructed to allow easy passage over the trenches when the artillery was brought forward as the attack progressed. Finally, to pull the trams and carry supplies, more than 50,000 horses and mules were brought into the area. To ensure a water supply for them, reservoirs and pumping stations had to be built, along with more than 70 kilometres of piping. Little was left to chance. Still, the German positions were extremely strong and would only be taken with great sacrifice on the part of the Canadians.
Vimy Ridge soldiers Preparing for battle
The Attack takes place
Follow up and fall out of the battle
Lest we forget
Lest we forget
