Battle of Vimy Ridge Pictures

These pictures of the Battle of Vimy Ridge show the realities for the Canadians who fought in World War I. The photos show a world of muddy trenches, barbed wire, exploding shells, crude dugouts, and filth, misery and death.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a defining event for Canada. It was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together as a unit, and they acquitted themselves with distinction. It was part of the change in Canada from a subservient colony to a country which had paid for its nationhood.

The cost of the Battle of Vimy Ridge was high. More than 10,600 Canadians were wounded; nearly 3600 Canadians died. The German forces suffered 20,000 casualties.