On 12th January 1989 Mrs. Jenny O'Connor presented her talk on "The Canadians at Vimy Ridge, 1917".

In 1917 Vimy Ridge was of vital significance as it dominated the surrounding trench systems. It had been held by the Germans since the early battles of 1914, despite, major and costly offensives by both the French and British. The Germans considered their lines at Vimy Ridge to be impregnable. A triple well-wired trench system formed the first line of defence. There were then two further lines, one at the base of the crest of Vimy Ridge and the other some distance to the east at the foot of the ridge. The important positions of Hill 145, south of Givenchy, and the Pimple, between Givenchy and Souchez, were extensively fortified.

In October 1916 the Canadian Corps was moved to the Vimy Ridge sector. The Corps was commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng. During the Boer War he had commanded the South African Light Horse. The major Arras offensive was planned by the British for April 1917 and an essential part of this attack was to be the capture of Vimy Ridge by the Canadian Corps. Extensive preparations were made by the Canadians. A railway network to assist with the stockpiling of munitions was set up and tunnels were dug to facilitate the safe movement of men and supplies. The Canadians also undertook an agressive trench raiding policy which greatly supplemented their intelligence of the enemy. Particular attention was paid to the planning of the artillery bombardment. The medium guns and howitzers, using the 106 instantaneous fuse, were to new play a vital role in cutting the German wire. An interesting feature of the attack was the degree of trust that was placed in the men - comprehensive details of the attack were provided to the rank and file so that all would know their place and understand their tasks in the forthcoming attack.

The preliminary bombardment began on 20th March and at 05h30 on 9th April the main attack commenced with, from South to North, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Canadian Divisions advancing against the Germans. The artillery was successful in neutralising the German guns and cutting the wire - the first battle in the war where this was achieved. Generally, the Canadian infantry assault was successful. The only difficulties encountered were the capture of Hill 145 and the Pimple. Hill 145 and the Pimple were eventually stormed by the 10th Brigade of Major-General Watson's 4th Division. By 12th April the entire ridge was firmly in the hands of the Canadians, but, at the cost of over 10,000 killed, wounded and missing.

Major Darrell Hall thanked Mrs. O'Connor for her interesting and well illustrated lecture.

Future Meetings

Johannesburg - February 9th - Mr. T.C.D. Leaver - "Allan Wilson's Last Stand".

- March 9th - Commander W.E.M. Bisset "The History of the South African Navy".

- April 13th - Annual General Meeting and World War II Reminiscence Talks.

The Johannesburg Meetings take place in the J.C. Lemmer Auditorium, S.A. National Museum of Military History, Saxonwold, Johannesburg at 20h00.

Durban - February 16th - Major Darrell Hall - "Up the Line on the Western Front".

Cape Town - February 9th - Commandant Paul Grobbelaar - "A History of Ceremonial".

STEWART STILES