On this day in 1917, the Battle of Vimy Ridge began.
It is one of the most famous battles in Canadian history, which saw four Canadian divisions fighting together for the first time against three German divisions.
Let's look at some facts of this battle.
📸LAC A001332
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It is one of the most famous battles in Canadian history, which saw four Canadian divisions fighting together for the first time against three German divisions.
Let's look at some facts of this battle.
📸LAC A001332
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Comments
Water reservoirs, pumping systems and kilometres of pipe were constructed as well.
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Each tunnel had electric lighting and first aid stations.
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He later became the Governor General of Canada and remained immensely popular in Canada.
Under his command were many British and Canadian commanders and staff officers.
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1st - Major-General Arthur Currie
2nd - Major-General Henry Burstall
4th - Major-General David Watson
The 3rd Division was commanded by British Major-General Louis James Lipsett.
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German troops described that period of time as "the week of suffering".
📸Library and Archives Canada
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It came at a great cost.
3,958 Canadians were killed.
7,000 Canadians were wounded.
It remains the bloodiest day in Canadian military history.
📸LAC MIKAN 3194787
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Without antibiotics the treatment for infection was amputation and "bone-scrapping"
For the next few years he was treated in France, England, Ireland, England, Halifax, Toronto, Calgary, Rocky Mountain House ( lungs) then Vancouver