Vimy Ridge: A Canadian Reassessment

by Geoffrey Hayes, Andrew Iarocci (Editor), Mike Bechthold (Editor)

On the morning of April 9, 1917, troops of the Canadian Corps under General Julian Byng attacked the formidable German defences of Vimy Ridge. Since then, generations of Canadians have shared a deep emotional attachment to the battle, inspired partly by the spectacular memorial on the battlefield. Although the event is considered central in Canadian military history, most people know very little about what happened during that memorable Easter in northern France.

Vimy Ridge: A Canadian Reassessment draws on the work of a new generation of scholars who explore the battle from three perspectives. The first assesses the Canadian Corps within the wider context of the Western Front in 1917. The second explores Canadian leadership, training, and preparations and details the story of each of the four Canadian divisions. The final section concentrates on the commemoration of Vimy Ridge, both for contemporaries and later generations of Canadians.

This long-overdue collection, based on original research, replaces mythology with new perspectives, new details, and a new understanding of the men who fought and died for the remarkable achievement that was the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Co-published with the Laurier Centre for Military, Strategic and Disarmament Studies

Genres: Military History, Canada, History, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Geoffrey Hayes is an associate professor in the Department of History at the University of Waterloo and is the associate director of the Laurier Centre for Military, Strategic and Disarmament Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University. His research focuses on the First and Second World Wars and Canada’s role in current international conflicts.

Reviews

[Caer Glas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of essays, one of the better looks at Vimy largely divorced from the usual nationalistic baggage. Especially thought provoking is the essay titled ' New wine in old bottles', a look at the platoon tactics employed in the battle. A must read for anyone with a serious interest in the Canadian corps and the battle of Vimy Ridge.

[Stan Martens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book...a collection of essays which deal with the build up, war fighting, and post operation of the Vimy Ridge battle. Does a very good job of highlighting often overlooked aspects of the battle. Very good read.

[Scott Neigh]

Reviewed here.