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2018 France/Belgium Trip Post 03
From the Eperleques Bunker, it was a 56 mile trip down the A26 motorway to Vimy Ridge.
On last September's trip, we visited the memorial on Hill 145 on the Ridge and walked the trench system but didn't have time to visit the famous Grange tunnels and subway so it was included on the itinerary this time.
In 1917 the 1st Canadian Corps was tasked with capturing the 5 mile long Vimy Ridge as part of the larger Battle of Arras. For the very first time all four Canadian Divisions would fight in the same battle together.
Drawing on lessons learned at the Battle of the Somme the Canadians planned and trained relentlessly in an effort to minimise casualties and ensure a successful outcome. Tunnels and subways were dug for transporting men and equipment as close to the front line as possible as well as placing mines under the German positions. Miniature railways ran to the 'underground city' which contained troop sleeping quarters, hospitals, ammo dumps etc. There was an electricity supply and fresh air pumped down.
As a result of meticulous planning, the Canadians took Vimy Ridge in just four days. On 2 April 1917, a week-long artillery bombardment commenced and 1,000 guns fired over a million shells onto the German trenches and artillery positions to the rear.
The victory at Vimy Ridge was the first major Allied victory in eighteen months, it cost the Canadians 10,602 casualties with 3598 killed in action. The victory also gave the Allies a commanding strategic position in the area.
In all fourteen subways were dug and so far approx 10 miles of tunnels have been found. Canadian students take free guided tours down the tunnel to give you a taste of what the 20,000 troops of the first wave endured as they waited in the tunnels overnight in readiness for the assault the next morning.
The tunnels are well lit and ventilated now but they turn the lights down to a dim glow to make it realistic and even put you in darkness for a while. The tunnel exit near the visitor centre is the exact spot that the troops emerged on the morning of 9th April 1917 to assault the German trenches.
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