Victory at Vimy – Review
Part of my gaining of a better understanding of the Second World War is learning about the First World War. As a Canadian, I’m naturally drawn to Vimy Ridge.
There are certain events that are transformative for nations. For Canada, it is the battle at Vimy Ridge. It was here that Canada began to come out of Britain’s shadow. We were no longer Brits with American accents.
This battle took place in 1917, so approaching the end of the war. There was a lot of pressure to make a major breakthrough before the Germans could move their troops from the Eastern Front to the West.
The French and British attempted to take Vimy Ridge but in vain. The Canadians were brought in and the task was handed to them.
Ted Barris gives an interesting account of the battle in his Victory at Vimy. He is able to give the big picture of the decisions that were being made, as well as the accounts of the average man in the trenches.
As an army chaplain, I appreciated the accounts of padres and the work that they did. He does the same for stretcher bearers, cooks and others who often don’t get the glory.
There is also some reflection on the value of the victory. For Canada it was extremely important, but the ridge was basically handed back to the Germans without a fight.
If you are interested in the First World War, this is a good book to read.
