Even Hitler appreciated the fact that the Memorial was not glorifying war but mourning the dead. He ordered some of the SS to be mounted at the site to protect the monument from any damage.
Remembrance Day always makes me think of Dickin Medal recipients. The Dickin Medal is awarded to animals which have served extraordinarily in combat. Tash has covered the story of Gander, a beloved Newfoundland who sacrificed his own life to save his unit in 1941 by picking up an enemy-thrown grenade in his mouth and running back towards the enemy line with it.
I was there in the Spring of 2021. It was like a pilgrimage for me - a bucket list thing. It was peaceful and still -- a sacred place. The land of that ridge was gifted to the people of Canada in perpetuity by the people of France. It is the site of one of two Canadian National Parks outside Canada (the other is Beaumont Hamel, France - also WWI but a memorial ground for the Newfoundland Regiment). The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was a volunteer army of about 600,000 from a population of less than 8 million. They entered the war as a colony of Great Britain and after the battles at Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, and The 100 Days the survivors returned and viewed their home now as a nation among nations. The pre-war colony had earned a seat at the table for the signing of the infamous Treaty of Versailles. The Canadian Corps and had made a name for itself. After Vimy the Germans called the Canadians the "Shock Troops" and had their intelligence network track the Canadian Corps' every move.
I have a book about Vimy Ridge written by Sir Authur Currie published in 1919. He was the man who was responsible for the “modern soldier” in those days. He refused to let the British have his men just to send them to their deaths. He had no use for the British and French styles of warfare which was all about marching in rows and becoming perfect targets for the Germans. British high command gave him the chance to do the battle his way as they had nothing to lose. He drilled his soldiers. They knew every inch of that ridge before they even arrived there. They rehearsed and then they rehearsed again. The Canadians arrived at Vimy well before the actual battle and dug in. One of my favourite parts was how the Canadians terrorized the German’s in the days before the battle. They were bored beyond belief and decided amongst themselves to do night raids. They crept into the German camps in the middle of the night and into the enemy’s tents where they laid the maple leafs that they had torn off their caps beside the sleeping German’s heads and then crept back to the Canadian lines to wait for dawn when they laughed their heads off listening to the German’s waking up and freaking out after discovering the maple leafs that the Canadians had left behind. Most of these Canadians were excellent hunters in those days and knew how to be quiet when stalking their prey(in this case German soldiers not a moose or deer). But the point is that they rattled the German’s before the battle of Vimy Ridge even started. The German’s had no idea what to expect and their ranks were understandably off their game. It must be noted that within the Canadian ranks were other Commonwealth soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who also came from young nations. It was the countries that these soldiers came from that made these soldiers tough and the Germans failed to recognize this. They weren’t scared of the German’s they were scared of grizzly and black bears, cougars, venomous snakes and spiders etc. They took that Ridge one hour after the battle started and left a reputation that carried into WW2 where the German’s always made sure they knew where “the Colonials” were at all times. Sadly for them that made little difference in both world wars.
My birthday is 11 November so I spend a good portion of my day with tears of remembrance. It just is important for me to honour the people who stepped up for peace.. A proud Canadian here.My brother was military during his whole career. I honour his life's work in Peace Keeping. The monument at Vimy exemplifies a sacrifice for freedom. It needs to stand forever.
I took my daughter there in 2016 as well as many other Canadian battlefields and cemeteries throughout France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. It is awe inspiring to see and it gives cause to remember those that died helping to secure freedom worldwide in not one but two world wars. So proud to be Canadian and to have served in the Canadian Armed Forces
my Dad's eldest half-brother was a soldier during WW1 and participated in Vimy Ridge where he was wounded. Sent home to recuperate and when he was supposed to be shipped out to re-join the troops, he developed shell shock. never went back. lived his later years in a Mental Institution.
My grandpa fought in WWII, he used to always say “if you want to fight a war use the Americans for the air, the British for the sea… but if you want to live, fight beside an Aussie on the grounds, they don’t die”. Cheers from Canada Tash.
I grew up in a military family in Canada and accepted as a fact that son if you find yourself on the ground with a rifle you want a fellow Canadian beside you, if not pray to God it's an Australian. Good on you love and just know that Canadians respect our Australian brothers as equals in a world without peers in arms.
My grandfather who died in WWI at Passchendale. His body was never recovered. His name appears on script of the Vimy Monument. My father remembered the parades in 1918 and 1919 when the Canadians came home. He also had memories of many of his little friends in the neighborhood crying on the front steps of their homes when the horse-drawn funeral wagons came to pick up the bodies of daddies, brothers and uncles who survived the war but were taken by the Spanish Influenza. My mother never knew her father. Had a father who served along with two uncles who all came back at the World War II.
As a Health Region, govt support home care worker, many of my senior clients are veterans of WW2, I love attending to them, and occasionally having time to have a cup of tea, ad hearctheir stories. So privileged to assist these seniors
I have been there twice. My wife , who was serving with the Canadian Forces in Germany at the time and I made the trip. Very eerie feeling walking through the trenches and around the surviving craters and the tunnels used. It was a strong a feeling of pride , and deep respect for what those people accomplished during that battle. Made me proud to have served in the Reserves, and having my wife, father, and my 3 brothers all serve the country in the regular Armed Forces. Their service extends from the mid 60s, to the end of the Afghanistan War.
Thank you Aussie Tash for such a beautiful tribute to those who sacrificed at Vimy. You’re right….War is a terrible thing. Throughout history there were battles taking place around the world defending our freedoms and opposing tyranny. We must always remember those who served and those who paid the ultimate price. Lest we forget. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
my grandfather was trying to enlist for as refused 3 times cuz he was 38 and 5 foot 1 but he finally was sent to France he was in the trenches when he was shot in the head , his buddies saw it and reported him KIA but 10 days later they found him still alive. He spent 6 months in a French hospital. he lived to 103 and saw from wagon trains to the space shuttle
"he lived to 103 and saw from wagon trains to the space shuttle". I love that. That is precisely why First Nations choose to revere their elders rather than throw them away. They are a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience. There are few things more beautiful to me than the face of a senior. Every line and wrinkle has been earned. Thanks for sharing!
Vimy is definitely on my bucket lis, both my children and one of my grandchildren visited Vimy Ridge. My children in 1999 and my granddaughter March of 2023. I was so pleased that my granddaughter was as moved as her mother and uncle had been. Attending the Remembrance Day services today as always brought tears to my eyes. We are so fortunate.
My great-great uncle, Robert Finnie Struthers, was one of the conscripts who was sent to France to fight. He was assigned to a very unusual unit - a battalion of cyclists whose job it was to conduct battlefield reconnaissance. He was wounded in action, although not very seriously. His war records tell an interesting story that traced everything that happened to him during his service, from the time he was conscripted, to the time he was wounded and spent convalescing in field hospitals during the last two months of the war, to his ultimate demobilization in early 1919. Canada's performance on the battlefields of the First World War was so stunning, that the country was given a seat at the Treaty of Versailles, where it was one of the signatory powers. The Treaty of Versailles was the document that Germany signed, thus formally surrendering to the Allies, and ending the war. This was an incredible achievement, given that Canada then was still more or less a British colony and not yet a fully independent country. Some say Canada became a nation because of Vimy Ridge, but the thing that crystallized that status was the Treaty of Versailles. Thank you for putting this video together. As a Canadian, I found watching it to be an emotional experience. Canada and Australia, together forever.
During world War II as Hitler was sweeping through Europe he was systematically destroying monuments from world War 1 but he specifically loved the Canadian world War 1 monument and stationed a part of his own personal SS Army to guard the monument in order to ensure that the Canadian world War 1 monument was protected and remained intact.
Hitler destroyed war memorials that promoted victory over the enemy, rather than just commemorating the dead. Hitlers' taste in modern art probably appreciated the monument at Vimy Ridge. He fought against the Canadian army so knew their fighting spirit well. The methods the Germans used in WWII, were developed by the Canadian Army and effectively ended trench warfare.
@@nancymilawski1048 I can understand how the Germans hated that treaty. It humiliated and crippled their country, and was one of the single direct causes for World War II.
The commenter earlier stated a fact that many don’t know. Hitler had instructed every branch of his military not to bomb, strafe, or mar in any way the Vimy Ridge monument. He stated he especially respected this monument because it respected peace, not glorified war.
The monument is exceptional and inspires that feeling. There is film of Hitler touring the site and he did genuinely seem respectful and awestruck. But there is also a slightly prideful feeling that maybe he understood what destroying the monument would inspire in the hearts of the Canadian soldiers as the new war proceeded.
Canadians were regularly integrated into British formations commanded by British officers. Yes many died but for Canada we were finally given command of ourselves. So the planning, execution and ultimately the victory was for Canada, by Canada, and an act of National pride and ultimately vindication for Canada as a nation. Afterwards we were recognized for our commanders and soldiers and of course our nation. We did it where others failed. We did it as Canadians. Excellent video.
My great grandfather was killed at Vimy Ridge. I went to Vimy Ridge and placed a wreath and boots on the memorial in honor of my Great Grandfather. It was a very important moment in my life. Thank you for your reaction. My hat is off to you. I toured the tunnels, trenches and pillboxes at Vimy Ridge in November 2017. It certainly opened my eyes.
We were there in the early 2000s. We weren't able to come too close because it was under restoration, but it was an awesome thing to see even from a distance. In addition, some of the trenches have been reconstructed, and there are tunnels that have been made safe to tour. The tour guides are young Canadians who are at least bilingual, and in many cases speak three or four languages. Being in front of it was at both chilling and filled us with pride. My great grandfather was in those tunnels in WW1. One of the most interesting things was the presence of carved graffiti in the soft chalk. There was a protected carving of a maple leaf. Even then.
Many people forget that during the second war, while the Germans advanced through Europe and Hitler toured, they destroyed many war memories of the allies. They deliberately did not desecrate the Vimy Memorial leaving it as one of very few. Whether that was due to the immense beauty and relevance, or maybe the remembrance of the brutality of the Canadian soldiers (you don't want a Canuck holding a grudge in a war), we don't know.
It was an order from hitler himself. He visited the Vimy memorial and was moved by the fact that instead of celebrating a victory over the Germans, this one was of a nation mourning over its fallen children in a useless war. He was so impressed by it, that for the duration of the war, he had an elite force stationed there, whose only job was to protect it from being harmed in any way. Personally, given the reputation of Canadians during WW1, and their take no prisoners attitude, I think he didn't want to piss off the Canadians in this war.
My Great Grandad was one of few who fought there And survived. For as long as he lived he had to deal with schrapnell in his lungs/body...coughed up bood and stuff until his late 90's. He was decorated for his courage...he never talked about it much. I remember him and my courcgous grandparents today ❤❤❤❤❤❤
On the 11th month, of the 11th day, at the 11th hour, we honour our fallen soldiers. It's almost 11 am Tash. As a Canadian, I feel honoured you played this video. With tears and heavy heart, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 🤍🖤❤
Hi Tash. I've been to Vimy Ridge. It was one of the most moving moments of my life especially reading the names engraved on the monument. As you walk through the cemetery gates, there are books in the pillars with the names and addresses of the fallen. Most of the soldiers are between 18 and 25 years old. That's when it really hit home. From that day forward, I always see veterans that survive wars as young people who gave up so much. Thank you ❤❤❤
When you saw they were fighting for their brother's. They literally were. The canadian forces put brothers neighbours and even full hockey team together on the field. It did indeed make them fight harder. But it also meant that some families lost all their sons in 1 go.
Our Remembrance Service is very moving. I watch it every year. Some of the acts of Remembrance are familiar to other Commonwealth nations. We added a new one a few years ago and it was completely spontaneous. We added a new monument at the Cenotaph, to the Unknown Soldiers. After the ceremony was over, the crowd came and put their poppies on it. It was COVERED in them. Now it happens every year.
Thank you. This was a very moving tribute to our Canadian troops. My father was a Peace Keeper in Cypress and Egypt which still makes me proud everyday. 🇨🇦 ❤
My dad as well, both Cypress and Egypt He was in Egypt for 13 months in 1961 leaving my mom at home with 4 little girls, me the eldest at 6 down to a new born. He patrolled on the Gaza Strip which sadly comes to mind a lot right now with the horrors happening there right now.
@@suestone914 My dad left 3 young girls at home with my mom! I believe all of his deployments were 6 months. His Cypress deployment was in 72-73. He brought us each back a gold dog tag with our names/date and outline of Cypress which we still have to this day.
Vimy was ceded to Canada by France. Parks Canada does the tours there, and I know a man who did them. I asked what he thought of the monument, and he became glassy eyed, and said words cannot express. I joined the Canadian Forces in 1977, and am still in as a Canadian Ranger (reservist). I have always felt great pride in our military, and its quiet tradition of excellence. Between us, and you Aussies, it would be tough to pick who is best! We have been brothers in arms for a long time, with honourable traditions. In my 46 years of military service, I have never heard a shot in anger, in large because of the men at Vimy, and other places we have fought, and died. I honour their memories, and led the Remembrance Day parade where I live.
Canadians, I believe, are very proud of the service/role our country has played in keeping peace around the planet. Regrettably we have shifted focus away from being a "Peace Keeping Force" and I for one believe that is to our detriment. My father and 5 uncles served Canada in WWII with two not making it home. One, a fighter pilot, lost his life over North Africa and the other, a bomber navigator, lost his life over Norway. My father, a Flight Lieutenant, flew out of Banfield, BC on Vancouver Island, searching the coastline for invaders. This was also an Australian pilot training base and he trained many Ausies to fly before transporting to England. This is both a very sad day for me while also being a great day of remembrance.
I miss The Queen. Vimy is bloody amazing. We honour our soldiers and vets. They are Canada and Vimy is just one symbol. One that makes me cry every time I see it.😢
My grandpa was involved in WW1 he was supposed to fight on the battlefield but the Canadian army found out that he could speak different languages so he held him back as a translator to help the soldiers understand what the enemy was saying and use that to their advantage if it wasn't for him we could have lost more people❤
My great uncle was in the Regina Rifles in WW1. My Dad RCAF WW2 bomber reconnaissance squadron. My Mom's older brother Canadian army, part of liberation of Holland. Our neighbour 2 doors down lost his arm in France. Brother of Mom's brother in law was killed in Belgium thanks to all veterans today ❤
Just finished watching the Remembrance Day ceremonies from Ottawa… touching. Thank you to those who served including my brother, uncles, grandfather, great uncles…❤❤❤
WW1 was a catalyzing moment in time for Canada. At the end of the war memorials were built across the country in almost every community to their local war dead. These meomorials were built with funds from each community; not by the government. These acts of rememberance by so many communities is what lead to the building of the monument at Vimy Ridge. Of course there are other smaller Canadian monuments in both France and Belgium at other battle sites that are worth a visit; but nothing is so majestic or imposing as Vimy. From its site on the ridge it can be seen for many kilometers.
For me, where Canada really started was by fending off two American invasion attempts. Upper Canada passed the Act Against Slavery in 1793, and tens of thousands of Canadians joined the Union Army to end slavery in N. America Then came the 2nd Boer War, where Canadian troops were influential. We're known as a peaceful country, but we aren't in arrears in fighting & killing. Two sporting pastimes in Canada - lacrosse & hockey, are like a form of stick fighting. Tash, there's a documentary on the Korean Battle of Kapyong, where the 3rd Australian Reg. & the PPCLI of Canada defended against a Chinese Division wave invasion headed for Seoul, and stopped them in their tracks.
A great uncle had just arrived in time for vimy to be his first major battle...he was taken out shellshocked on the second day,his personnel record has only a note beside the entry saying "buried"...judging by what is written in his batallions war diary,they took some light shelling that day,and had only a handful of casualties from it...but it was not uncommon for soldiers to be actually buried by a close hit,having to be quickly dug out by thier comrades before they suffocated..in any case he survived vimy ,was pronounced fit and returned to his unit a while later,he fought at hill70 and was killed finally at paschendaele,on a supply run of all things,his body was never recovered,or it was not identified if it was...his name is on the menin gate memorial to the missing in Ypres,Belgium ....the names on the vimy memorial are similar,but only of those who died in france with no known grave...as many as there are,it is far from all of them...
Thank you so much for sharing this video. We always watch the ceremonies going on in Ottawa today. They actually sing In Flanders Fields, usually with a youth chorus. 🇨🇦
Been there 3 times, when I was stationed in Germany as a NATO soldier with the 8th Canadian Hussars (PL). Once on parade with the Regiment. I had tears running down my face during the 2 minutes silence. Some tough guy I am. Thank you for our content, always well done.
Yes and no. The land was given to Canada in the sense that it's owned by the Canadian government, but it's not a part of Canada in the sense that you would have to clear customs to get in.
I was there in 1987 on a school trip. We didn't stay long. I had time to rush to the bottom of the hill, take some pictures, and rush back up to the bus. Some of the land around it remains covered in craters from the shelling. I've heard that you can actually take tours of the site. I wish we had been able to do that.
Brian Stewart, one of the commentators in this piece, is worth checking out. It was one of his stories from Ethiopia that inspired Bob Geldof to create Band Aid and Live Aid.
I haven't been to the Vimy or Normandy yet but plan to do so when I travel to France. What wasn't mentioned in the video is visitors have to stick to the paved areas of the grounds because there is still live bombs in the ground there. I'm not sure if you have looked at our money but we have In Flanders Fields and the Vimy Memorial on our $20 bill.
My niece on her, maternal side, has a second uncle listed on that monuement as missing in action, sadly when her brother went there on a tour he wasn't aware of it.🍁
I've not been to the site in France sadly, but the architectural maquettes are at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, and I have been there. The maquettes are overwhelmingly powerful. I can only imagine the powerful emotions the monument must engender.
I had the honour of being there for the 100th Commemoration, took students. An experience I can't properly put into words. When we finally arrived in front of the monument, I wept, it struck so deeply that I was actually on Vimy Ridge.
A rare honour indeed. What an incredible memory and moving experience for you, the students, and everyone that was there during the 100th Commemoration.
I was there on 9 April 2012 when it poured rain all afternoon, and again in 2017 in the blazing sun and nearly 30 degree heat. Both were unforgettable experiences.
According to many German sources, during the Great War the Germans respected the Canadians as their toughest foes. That's amazing considering the small size of Canada's population at the time and that our army basically had to be created from scratch using civilian volunteers.
My daughter went there in 2017 on a school trip to the 100th of Vimy and got to visit alot of other Canadian battlefields as well. My great uncle served in both World Wars on the European front and was wounded at Ypres. Therefore we were happy to send her on this trip.
Tash, THANK YOU for your respectful tribute! To quote astronomer Carl Sagan upon seeing photos of earth from Saturn as a "pale blue dot"...."Think of all the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and triumph they could become momentary master of a fraction of a dot". My great uncle Simon Clarridge was shot in the head and leg at Vimy but survived. It was the day prior to the battle during reconnaissance. Had it been the next day he likely would have died. Before Vimy Canadians were considered expendable. After Vimy they were considered storm troopers. Over 100 years later the human race still fights each other....for what? Vimy was horror. Gallipoli was horror. I find it ironic that SOME French Canadians might not want to fight when France was one of the countries being liberated in both world wars. Other French Canadians did fight and valiantly so. The War Museum in Ottawa should be called the anti war museum. It doesn't glorify war in any way....as it should be.
Thank you Aussie Tash. My husband is a present day soldier in the CAF and we had a wonderful Remembrance Day parade today. I was born 21 years after the WW2 and it was very much in our conscience when I was young. My son is 26 and he very much understands the relevance.
Great video! You need to search two other videos on youtube. The 1st is "When Canadians hear the word War" and a Video on French Canadian Leo Major. In WW11 he captured a whole town by himself returning prisoners in usually groups of 10. But one group contained 98 German troops. He was awarded Canada's highest metal of Valour twice, but he refused to accept the first because he thought the awarding officer was an "Idiot". He suffered wounds on 2 occasions that should of sent him home including the lose of an eye. But he refused and kept on fight with an eye patch joking that it made him look like a "Pirate". After the war ended he went back to civilian life. Then the Korean War erupted and Canada called him to action again. In Korea he won his 2nd/3rd highest Canadian medal for Valour making him the only Canadian to win this medal in two different wars. I wonder how many other soldiers from other countries can claim the same thing?
My grandfather’s brother died at Vimy the day before the major battle. I am so very proud to have my relative be part of Vimy and I absolutely love the monument. If I ever get a tattoo, it will be of the Vimy monument.
I have been there and it is inspiring. Even though the land belongs to Canada (given to Canada in perpetuity by the French), very few Canadians visit the site. It is operated by Parcs Canada and staffed by Canadians. As a Canadian you normally get a private tour of the tunnels and trenches; a tour that most visitors don't get. There is also a site a bit futher south (Beaumont-Hamel) that belongs to Newfoundland. It is where the Newfoundland regiment was essentially annihilated on 1 July 1916.
Thank you for posting this tribute to my nation , Canada Sitting here , I am remembering all the WW1 and WW2 veterans that I have known. Including my Grand Dad who volunteered for both wars . Infantry in WW1 and the Navy in WW2. Thank you again , I really appreciate it.
My Grandfather fought at Vimy. He never talked about the war, though. I guess it was too horrifying. I only found out where he was through the War Diaries at the Canadian Archives. Some of the stuff I read made me realize why he never spoke of it. The expression "War is hell." is an understatement.
The names on the monument are only the names of the unknown graves. The soldiers that died but could not be recovered. There are still far more who died sadly.
Sorry this is wrong. All names are there. The body of my ancestor was buried in the cemetery then recovered and sent back to Canada. The family paid for that, so his name is on the monument but not in the cemetery. What I found a little disturbing was the German cemetery. Crosses were beside stars of David.
I am Canadian born and bred but I have English, Irish back round my Great Grandfather and the family was suppose to come to Canada in 1912 but one of my Aunts got sick with scarlet fever so they could not come and then WWI broke out in Aug 1914, so he enlisted and was KIA on July 16, 1916 at Bazentin Ridge on the Somme so his name live for evermore on the Thiepval Memorial (He has no know grave as he was hit by a shell in a German counter attack and blow to bits this what some of the men that came back told my Great Grandmother) . I have never been there to touch his name but it on my list of things to see now that I am retired. My Grandfather arrived in Canada in 1920 as 14 old boy with my Great Grandmother and 2 Great Aunts in 1920. I have found his regiment's battle diary and some stuff online about and where his regiment and how he died although it doesn't list his name it matches to what the family was told so I have all the info to do a historical tour and see and walk in his footsteps go to the places he went over 100 years ago.
I've been there twice. Once when no one else was around and again for the 100th anniversary. Both times it was very moving. Also been to the Australian war memorial in France.
As a Canadian, you cannot see that monument and not cry. It is not a monument to heroism, it is a monument to grief and it is overwhelming. These are the things I remember: we were barely 50 years old as a country, and we may not have known who we were nationally when we went to fight, but we sure as hell knew we were Canadians when we came back. All of the young men of my family fought (my grandfather and all my great-uncles). They were fortunate the whole family was not wiped out, but not one of them came back whole. Their friends who died gave up everything: hope of marriage, hope of children and their futures. What we lost cannot be measured, and the monument says that eloquently.
The Parks Canada tours are around the trenches at the bottom of the hill, where they can still get flooded by the rain. Then, you get to walk up the hill to the monument - and remember that the Canadians fought uphill under fire to take the Ridge. The paths up are still roped off -- visitors are absolutely forbidden to go off trail as there is unexploded ordnance in those fields.
Minor correction: we work for Veterans Affairs, not Parks Canada! 😅We wear nearly identical uniforms, and it will never not be hilarious how many Canadian visitors - very innocently, mind you - do mix it up.
Tash, your solemn respect, and tears, for Remembrance Day and all it represents - thank you! A Pittance of Time. A very powerful video. Remembrance Day is a very emotional day for me as well. For all that has happened, and all that is happening in this poor world of ours.
Anzac Parade has some amazing monument to honour the ANZAC Army Corps. It’s at least a km long running from the front of Parliament House. The eucalyptus trees down either side of the Parade are something to see. A visitor from Canada I spent the whole day exploring the Parade and then Parliament House. The memorials are amazing. As I recall over a dozen - to nurses, soldiers (I loved this one - the soldiers were gigantic) , navy, air force, cavalry - Boer, Egypt’s Tobruk, , Vietnam, Turkish Korean Wars. And one for your peace keepers. I was disappointed at not seeing one for Gallipoli. I remember the poppies on the wall at another memorial with all the names of the war dead over 100,000 as I recall…. Just amazing to see the poppies lined up along the wall of names in the long corridor . . . literally like a wall of flowers and then the light shining in through the archways .
Vimy is a very powerful, beautiful place. We arrived there on a weekday in the fall and I got a little choked up when I walked into the information centre and was met by a wonderful group of young Canadians. One of whom was the guide for us and a pair of other couples from Britain and Canada as we toured the preserved section of trench, and talked about the battle. What a wonderful experience it was. Very memorable.
The British and the French both tried to take the ridge,with no success .After 2 yrs of planning and training it was Canada's turn, after 3 days of fighting the ridge was under Canadian control. the Germans were calling Canadains Stormtroopers by that point in the war and knew when they showed up it was aboot to kick off.
Good read about Vimy Ridge is the book by Pierre Burton called Vimy Ridge. It is amazing the tactics used during this battle that are still used to this day.
I was a 9 year old British boy when my family vacationed in Normandy, France. We'd already been accepted by Canada and were making plans to emigrate there. We drove to some of the beaches where the WW2 D-Day landings occurred and then to the Canadian war cemeteries. It had a huge impact on me; something I still think about now. The first Canadians I was introduced to were fallen soldiers buried in these places. I've never been to the Vimy Memorial but it's on my bucket list.
My husband and I visited Vimy a few years ago. I can tell you that we were incredibly moved seeing the monument. We found the names of my husband's two great-uncles and grandfather. The land where the Vimy memorial stands if actually Canadian land.
I'm from Canada, and was very lucky to get a chance to go and see it in person. We had just learned about in class before we went, and it still hits me on what we got to see visiting.
"Lest we forget!" We will never forget the valor and sacrifice of those soldiers who fought, and died in both world wars...not only in Vimy. As a veteran from Afghanistan , there are a lot of reasons why Armistice day is dear to my heart. But as a side note, most people are not aware that Canada as NEVER lost a war it fought in. That is one of the reasons why so few countries want to fight if we're involved!
!0 years ago, I moved to a little hamlet in northern Alberta, Canada called Vimy. The original name of this place was Dunrobin. After WW1, because of Vimy Ridge, this place was rename Vimy. It has a miniature of the Vimy Ridge monument in front of the town hall.
Vimy Ridge matters, because it symbolizes the loss and heartbreak of war. War is loss, heartbreak, and tears. It is not glory and triumph, it is loss. Lest we forget.
Thank you for your reaction. I had a grandfather and 4 great uncles who fought for Canada in WWII. All made it home except for the youngest. Killed during the Battle of Hong Kong, Dec 23 1941, aged 18, Lest we forget. 😢
My grandfather Potter was wounded (shot and then hit by shrapnel) in the The 2nd Battle of Ypres April 24th 1915. After being sent from hospital to hospital he finally was sent back home to Hamilton just near Toronto. When he got out of the hospital here he re-enlisted and returned in time to fight in Lens, The Battle of the Somme, Passchendaele and Vimy Ridge. I never met him as he passed away in 1959 before I was born. I have his medals, his paper, service record and a wooden box that he made while in the hospital just before the end of the war. Interesting story from the Toronto Star in 2007. As the Germans marched across France in WWII it was reported back here that the Vimy memorial was being damaged by advancing German troops. Guess who else was upset as well as Canadians. None other than Adolf Hitler. It was his favourite monument from WWI because it represented peace. Story has it he even had his elite waffen SS stand guard over it.
I visited the site, years ago, with one of my niece. The only way I could describe out it felt to be there, at that majestic yet, sobering monument, is that at one point in time, I realized that we were whispering, out of respect, like if we were in a church, or, in this case, a cathedral. The fact is the Vimy memorial, with the thousands of engraved name of the never recovered dead Canadian soldiers is a giant tomb stone, a place of reflection and respect for their massive sacrifice. I wish every Canadian would have the opportunity to visit. On that day, we had started in the morning by sitting on Juno beach, trying to recapture the events of D-Day (WWII) ... than drove around the coast , visiting the sites, including Berniere-sur-Mer, where stand "Canada house" (likely the first French house liberated on D-Day, by the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada). Then we went inland to visit the grave of our grand uncle, Cpl Willie Fournier (WWI), buried in the Commonwealth War Graves at Ligny-Saint-Flochel. He hadn't had a lot of visitation from his family being so far away from home. And then a small drive to Vimy. And yes, the statues carried a great sense of sorry and loss. Thank you Tash, for your interest in Canada, you make us rediscover our own history.
Went to the Vimy Memorial in 1985 when buddy and I went hitch hiking in Europe as a couple of 19yr olds. We had both wanted to visit the battlesight and hardly knew anything about the memorial that was there, as it was not really talked about in those times in Canada. The battle and how it transformed Canada yes but the memorial was rarely brought up. Its quite a majestic sight when you first lay eyes on it. It was a very somber experience despite just being a dumbass teenager. More somber was the fact the Mermorial and the grounds were in a great state of disrepair. It had definitely been neglected for long time. Its so incredibly stunning now. It's said during the WWII invasion of France the Werhmacht destroyed many WWI memorial sites but avoid the Vimy memorial. Tim Cook wrote an excellent book on Canadas military involvement.
Vimy speaks for Canada, and who and what we are, but your country Aussie Tash, is right beside us in deed and spirit. I would cheerfully raise a pint with any Australian just based on the proven courage and honor of your forefathers.
I have wanted to go to see the Vimy Ridge Memorial for years. However, I was a basket case after visiting the Commonwealth cemeteries in Flanders and now don’t think I could emotionally handle visiting Vimy Ridge.
My husband and I did all the battlefields and cemetaries in Belgium and some in northern France, including Vimy. As emotional as Vimy was, I will never forget the feelings of gratitude and pride I felt. Yes, you'd be a basket case, but you'd never regret going. Truly one of the great experiences of my life.
Even Hitler appreciated the fact that the Memorial was not glorifying war but mourning the dead. He ordered some of the SS to be mounted at the site to protect the monument from any damage.
Remembrance Day always makes me think of Dickin Medal recipients. The Dickin Medal is awarded to animals which have served extraordinarily in combat. Tash has covered the story of Gander, a beloved Newfoundland who sacrificed his own life to save his unit in 1941 by picking up an enemy-thrown grenade in his mouth and running back towards the enemy line with it.
I was there in the Spring of 2021. It was like a pilgrimage for me - a bucket list thing. It was peaceful and still -- a sacred place. The land of that ridge was gifted to the people of Canada in perpetuity by the people of France. It is the site of one of two Canadian National Parks outside Canada (the other is Beaumont Hamel, France - also WWI but a memorial ground for the Newfoundland Regiment).
The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was a volunteer army of about 600,000 from a population of less than 8 million. They entered the war as a colony of Great Britain and after the battles at Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, and The 100 Days the survivors returned and viewed their home now as a nation among nations. The pre-war colony had earned a seat at the table for the signing of the infamous Treaty of Versailles. The Canadian Corps and had made a name for itself. After Vimy the Germans called the Canadians the "Shock Troops" and had their intelligence network track the Canadian Corps' every move.
I have a book about Vimy Ridge written by Sir Authur Currie published in 1919. He was the man who was responsible for the “modern soldier” in those days. He refused to let the British have his men just to send them to their deaths. He had no use for the British and French styles of warfare which was all about marching in rows and becoming perfect targets for the Germans. British high command gave him the chance to do the battle his way as they had nothing to lose. He drilled his soldiers. They knew every inch of that ridge before they even arrived there. They rehearsed and then they rehearsed again. The Canadians arrived at Vimy well before the actual battle and dug in. One of my favourite parts was how the Canadians terrorized the German’s in the days before the battle. They were bored beyond belief and decided amongst themselves to do night raids. They crept into the German camps in the middle of the night and into the enemy’s tents where they laid the maple leafs that they had torn off their caps beside the sleeping German’s heads and then crept back to the Canadian lines to wait for dawn when they laughed their heads off listening to the German’s waking up and freaking out after discovering the maple leafs that the Canadians had left behind. Most of these Canadians were excellent hunters in those days and knew how to be quiet when stalking their prey(in this case German soldiers not a moose or deer). But the point is that they rattled the German’s before the battle of Vimy Ridge even started. The German’s had no idea what to expect and their ranks were understandably off their game. It must be noted that within the Canadian ranks were other Commonwealth soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who also came from young nations. It was the countries that these soldiers came from that made these soldiers tough and the Germans failed to recognize this. They weren’t scared of the German’s they were scared of grizzly and black bears, cougars, venomous snakes and spiders etc. They took that Ridge one hour after the battle started and left a reputation that carried into WW2 where the German’s always made sure they knew where “the Colonials” were at all times. Sadly for them that made little difference in both world wars.
Many tears will be shed today, with undying gratitude for those who sacrificed to defend the freedoms we are privileged to have. Love you Dad.
My birthday is 11 November so I spend a good portion of my day with tears of remembrance. It just is important for me to honour the people who stepped up for peace.. A proud Canadian here.My brother was military during his whole career. I honour his life's work in Peace Keeping. The monument at Vimy exemplifies a sacrifice for freedom. It needs to stand forever.
Ditto
I took my daughter there in 2016 as well as many other Canadian battlefields and cemeteries throughout France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. It is awe inspiring to see and it gives cause to remember those that died helping to secure freedom worldwide in not one but two world wars. So proud to be Canadian and to have served in the Canadian Armed Forces
my Dad's eldest half-brother was a soldier during WW1 and participated in Vimy Ridge where he was wounded. Sent home to recuperate and when he was supposed to be shipped out to re-join the troops, he developed shell shock. never went back. lived his later years in a Mental Institution.
My grandpa fought in WWII, he used to always say “if you want to fight a war use the Americans for the air, the British for the sea… but if you want to live, fight beside an Aussie on the grounds, they don’t die”. Cheers from Canada Tash.
Let We Forget
I grew up in a military family in Canada and accepted as a fact that son if you find yourself on the ground with a rifle you want a fellow Canadian beside you, if not pray to God it's an Australian. Good on you love and just know that Canadians respect our Australian brothers as equals in a world without peers in arms.
My grandfather who died in WWI at Passchendale. His body was never recovered. His name appears on script of the Vimy Monument. My father remembered the parades in 1918 and 1919 when the Canadians came home. He also had memories of many of his little friends in the neighborhood crying on the front steps of their homes when the horse-drawn funeral wagons came to pick up the bodies of daddies, brothers and uncles who survived the war but were taken by the Spanish Influenza. My mother never knew her father. Had a father who served along with two uncles who all came back at the World War II.
As a Health Region, govt support home care worker, many of my senior clients are veterans of WW2, I love attending to them, and occasionally having time to have a cup of tea, ad hearctheir stories.
So privileged to assist these seniors
I have been there twice. My wife , who was serving with the Canadian Forces in Germany at the time and I made the trip. Very eerie feeling walking through the trenches and around the surviving craters and the tunnels used. It was a strong a feeling of pride , and deep respect for what those people accomplished during that battle. Made me proud to have served in the Reserves, and having my wife, father, and my 3 brothers all serve the country in the regular Armed Forces. Their service extends from the mid 60s, to the end of the Afghanistan War.
Thank you Aussie Tash for such a beautiful tribute to those who sacrificed at Vimy. You’re right….War is a terrible thing. Throughout history there were battles taking place around the world defending our freedoms and opposing tyranny. We must always remember those who served and those who paid the ultimate price. Lest we forget. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
my grandfather was trying to enlist for as refused 3 times cuz he was 38 and 5 foot 1 but he finally was sent to France he was in the trenches when he was shot in the head , his buddies saw it and reported him KIA but 10 days later they found him still alive. He spent 6 months in a French hospital. he lived to 103 and saw from wagon trains to the space shuttle
Motorhomemike what an incredible story, cheers for sharing
"he lived to 103 and saw from wagon trains to the space shuttle". I love that. That is precisely why First Nations choose to revere their elders rather than throw them away. They are a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience. There are few things more beautiful to me than the face of a senior. Every line and wrinkle has been earned. Thanks for sharing!
Vimy is definitely on my bucket lis, both my children and one of my grandchildren visited Vimy Ridge. My children in 1999 and my granddaughter March of 2023. I was so pleased that my granddaughter was as moved as her mother and uncle had been. Attending the Remembrance Day services today as always brought tears to my eyes. We are so fortunate.
My great-great uncle, Robert Finnie Struthers, was one of the conscripts who was sent to France to fight. He was assigned to a very unusual unit - a battalion of cyclists whose job it was to conduct battlefield reconnaissance. He was wounded in action, although not very seriously. His war records tell an interesting story that traced everything that happened to him during his service, from the time he was conscripted, to the time he was wounded and spent convalescing in field hospitals during the last two months of the war, to his ultimate demobilization in early 1919.
Canada's performance on the battlefields of the First World War was so stunning, that the country was given a seat at the Treaty of Versailles, where it was one of the signatory powers. The Treaty of Versailles was the document that Germany signed, thus formally surrendering to the Allies, and ending the war. This was an incredible achievement, given that Canada then was still more or less a British colony and not yet a fully independent country.
Some say Canada became a nation because of Vimy Ridge, but the thing that crystallized that status was the Treaty of Versailles.
Thank you for putting this video together. As a Canadian, I found watching it to be an emotional experience. Canada and Australia, together forever.
During world War II as Hitler was sweeping through Europe he was systematically destroying monuments from world War 1 but he specifically loved the Canadian world War 1 monument and stationed a part of his own personal SS Army to guard the monument in order to ensure that the Canadian world War 1 monument was protected and remained intact.
Hitler destroyed war memorials that promoted victory over the enemy, rather than just commemorating the dead. Hitlers' taste in modern art probably appreciated the monument at Vimy Ridge. He fought against the Canadian army so knew their fighting spirit well. The methods the Germans used in WWII, were developed by the Canadian Army and effectively ended trench warfare.
He also destroyed the train car used for the signing of the armistice in 1918.
Yes, after he used it as the site for the French surrender in 1940.@@nancymilawski1048
@@nancymilawski1048 I can understand how the Germans hated that treaty. It humiliated and crippled their country, and was one of the single direct causes for World War II.
The commenter earlier stated a fact that many don’t know. Hitler had instructed every branch of his military not to bomb, strafe, or mar in any way the Vimy Ridge monument. He stated he especially respected this monument because it respected peace, not glorified war.
The monument is exceptional and inspires that feeling. There is film of Hitler touring the site and he did genuinely seem respectful and awestruck. But there is also a slightly prideful feeling that maybe he understood what destroying the monument would inspire in the hearts of the Canadian soldiers as the new war proceeded.
Canadians were regularly integrated into British formations commanded by British officers. Yes many died but for Canada we were finally given command of ourselves. So the planning, execution and ultimately the victory was for Canada, by Canada, and an act of National pride and ultimately vindication for Canada as a nation. Afterwards we were recognized for our commanders and soldiers and of course our nation. We did it where others failed. We did it as Canadians. Excellent video.
My great grandfather was killed at Vimy Ridge. I went to Vimy Ridge and placed a wreath and boots on the memorial in honor of my Great Grandfather. It was a very important moment in my life. Thank you for your reaction. My hat is off to you. I toured the tunnels, trenches and pillboxes at Vimy Ridge in November 2017. It certainly opened my eyes.
Sadly, wars are not a thing from the past. Thanks Tash
We were there in the early 2000s. We weren't able to come too close because it was under restoration, but it was an awesome thing to see even from a distance. In addition, some of the trenches have been reconstructed, and there are tunnels that have been made safe to tour. The tour guides are young Canadians who are at least bilingual, and in many cases speak three or four languages. Being in front of it was at both chilling and filled us with pride. My great grandfather was in those tunnels in WW1. One of the most interesting things was the presence of carved graffiti in the soft chalk. There was a protected carving of a maple leaf. Even then.
Many people forget that during the second war, while the Germans advanced through Europe and Hitler toured, they destroyed many war memories of the allies. They deliberately did not desecrate the Vimy Memorial leaving it as one of very few. Whether that was due to the immense beauty and relevance, or maybe the remembrance of the brutality of the Canadian soldiers (you don't want a Canuck holding a grudge in a war), we don't know.
It was an order from hitler himself. He visited the Vimy memorial and was moved by the fact that instead of celebrating a victory over the Germans, this one was of a nation mourning over its fallen children in a useless war. He was so impressed by it, that for the duration of the war, he had an elite force stationed there, whose only job was to protect it from being harmed in any way. Personally, given the reputation of Canadians during WW1, and their take no prisoners attitude, I think he didn't want to piss off the Canadians in this war.
My Great Grandad was one of few who fought there And survived. For as long as he lived he had to deal with schrapnell in his lungs/body...coughed up bood and stuff until his late 90's. He was decorated for his courage...he never talked about it much. I remember him and my courcgous grandparents today ❤❤❤❤❤❤
My grandfather fought and survived at Vimy as well. I wonder if they were friends
@@concernedcitizen3476 Perhaps, they were 🇨🇦🥰
Be proud, very proud
On the 11th month, of the 11th day, at the 11th hour, we honour our fallen soldiers. It's almost 11 am Tash. As a Canadian, I feel honoured you played this video. With tears and heavy heart, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 🤍🖤❤
Hi Tash. I've been to Vimy Ridge. It was one of the most moving moments of my life especially reading the names engraved on the monument. As you walk through the cemetery gates, there are books in the pillars with the names and addresses of the fallen. Most of the soldiers are between 18 and 25 years old. That's when it really hit home. From that day forward, I always see veterans that survive wars as young people who gave up so much. Thank you ❤❤❤
Thankyou for sharing on this day
When you saw they were fighting for their brother's. They literally were.
The canadian forces put brothers neighbours and even full hockey team together on the field.
It did indeed make them fight harder. But it also meant that some families lost all their sons in 1 go.
Oh my gosh, powerful and painful at the same time
Or some small villages lost all of their young men in one fell blow.
@ralphvelthuis2359 yes. And thats why. The CAF can't do that anymore.
Thank you Tash from your friend and Canadian veteran.
Our Remembrance Service is very moving. I watch it every year. Some of the acts of Remembrance are familiar to other Commonwealth nations. We added a new one a few years ago and it was completely spontaneous. We added a new monument at the Cenotaph, to the Unknown Soldiers. After the ceremony was over, the crowd came and put their poppies on it. It was COVERED in them. Now it happens every year.
Thank you. This was a very moving tribute to our Canadian troops. My father was a Peace Keeper in Cypress and Egypt which still makes me proud everyday. 🇨🇦 ❤
My dad as well, both Cypress and Egypt He was in Egypt for 13 months in 1961 leaving my mom at home with 4 little girls, me the eldest at 6 down to a new born. He patrolled on the Gaza Strip which sadly comes to mind a lot right now with the horrors happening there right now.
@@suestone914 My dad left 3 young girls at home with my mom! I believe all of his deployments were 6 months. His Cypress deployment was in 72-73. He brought us each back a gold dog tag with our names/date and outline of Cypress which we still have to this day.
My dad's deployment to Cypress was 6 months, but I don't know what the date was. I'll have to ask my mom. @@BunzRule
Vimy was ceded to Canada by France. Parks Canada does the tours there, and I know a man who did them. I asked what he thought of the monument, and he became glassy eyed, and said words cannot express. I joined the Canadian Forces in 1977, and am still in as a Canadian Ranger (reservist). I have always felt great pride in our military, and its quiet tradition of excellence. Between us, and you Aussies, it would be tough to pick who is best! We have been brothers in arms for a long time, with honourable traditions. In my 46 years of military service, I have never heard a shot in anger, in large because of the men at Vimy, and other places we have fought, and died. I honour their memories, and led the Remembrance Day parade where I live.
Minor correction: we work for Veterans Affairs, not Parks Canada! 😅
Canadians, I believe, are very proud of the service/role our country has played in keeping peace around the planet. Regrettably we have shifted focus away from being a "Peace Keeping Force" and I for one believe that is to our detriment. My father and 5 uncles served Canada in WWII with two not making it home. One, a fighter pilot, lost his life over North Africa and the other, a bomber navigator, lost his life over Norway. My father, a Flight Lieutenant, flew out of Banfield, BC on Vancouver Island, searching the coastline for invaders. This was also an Australian pilot training base and he trained many Ausies to fly before transporting to England. This is both a very sad day for me while also being a great day of remembrance.
I miss The Queen. Vimy is bloody amazing. We honour our soldiers and vets. They are Canada and Vimy is just one symbol. One that makes me cry every time I see it.😢
Sadly i miss her also, Camilla is not my queen
I miss Her Majesty too, and weep a it every Remembrance Day... Had a cuppa Red Rose tea and it helped a bit 🥰🇨🇦🥰🇨🇦☕️☕️☕️
My grandpa was involved in WW1 he was supposed to fight on the battlefield but the Canadian army found out that he could speak different languages so he held him back as a translator to help the soldiers understand what the enemy was saying and use that to their advantage if it wasn't for him we could have lost more people❤
Australia was right beside Canada during most of the major battles.
My great uncle was in the Regina Rifles in WW1. My Dad RCAF WW2 bomber reconnaissance squadron. My Mom's older brother Canadian army, part of liberation of Holland. Our neighbour 2 doors down lost his arm in France. Brother of Mom's brother in law was killed in Belgium thanks to all veterans today ❤
Just finished watching the Remembrance Day ceremonies from Ottawa… touching. Thank you to those who served including my brother, uncles, grandfather, great uncles…❤❤❤
WW1 was a catalyzing moment in time for Canada. At the end of the war memorials were built across the country in almost every community to their local war dead. These meomorials were built with funds from each community; not by the government. These acts of rememberance by so many communities is what lead to the building of the monument at Vimy Ridge. Of course there are other smaller Canadian monuments in both France and Belgium at other battle sites that are worth a visit; but nothing is so majestic or imposing as Vimy. From its site on the ridge it can be seen for many kilometers.
For me, where Canada really started was by fending off two American invasion attempts. Upper Canada passed the Act Against Slavery in 1793, and tens of thousands of Canadians joined the Union Army to end slavery in N. America Then came the 2nd Boer War, where Canadian troops were influential.
We're known as a peaceful country, but we aren't in arrears in fighting & killing.
Two sporting pastimes in Canada - lacrosse & hockey, are like a form of stick fighting.
Tash, there's a documentary on the Korean Battle of Kapyong, where the 3rd Australian Reg. & the PPCLI of Canada defended against a Chinese Division wave invasion headed for Seoul, and stopped them in their tracks.
A great uncle had just arrived in time for vimy to be his first major battle...he was taken out shellshocked on the second day,his personnel record has only a note beside the entry saying "buried"...judging by what is written in his batallions war diary,they took some light shelling that day,and had only a handful of casualties from it...but it was not uncommon for soldiers to be actually buried by a close hit,having to be quickly dug out by thier comrades before they suffocated..in any case he survived vimy ,was pronounced fit and returned to his unit a while later,he fought at hill70 and was killed finally at paschendaele,on a supply run of all things,his body was never recovered,or it was not identified if it was...his name is on the menin gate memorial to the missing in Ypres,Belgium ....the names on the vimy memorial are similar,but only of those who died in france with no known grave...as many as there are,it is far from all of them...
Thank you so much for sharing this video. We always watch the ceremonies going on in Ottawa today. They actually sing In Flanders Fields, usually with a youth chorus. 🇨🇦
Been there 3 times, when I was stationed in Germany as a NATO soldier with the 8th Canadian Hussars (PL). Once on parade with the Regiment. I had tears running down my face during the 2 minutes silence. Some tough guy I am.
Thank you for our content, always well done.
It's actually Canadian soil, given to us by France.... it's not just a monument.
Cheers mate, i meant no disrespect, lest we forget
Yes and no. The land was given to Canada in the sense that it's owned by the Canadian government, but it's not a part of Canada in the sense that you would have to clear customs to get in.
I was there in 1987 on a school trip. We didn't stay long. I had time to rush to the bottom of the hill, take some pictures, and rush back up to the bus.
Some of the land around it remains covered in craters from the shelling.
I've heard that you can actually take tours of the site. I wish we had been able to do that.
Brian Stewart, one of the commentators in this piece, is worth checking out. It was one of his stories from Ethiopia that inspired Bob Geldof to create Band Aid and Live Aid.
I haven't been to the Vimy or Normandy yet but plan to do so when I travel to France. What wasn't mentioned in the video is visitors have to stick to the paved areas of the grounds because there is still live bombs in the ground there. I'm not sure if you have looked at our money but we have In Flanders Fields and the Vimy Memorial on our $20 bill.
My niece on her, maternal side, has a second uncle listed on that monuement as missing in action, sadly when her brother went there on a tour he wasn't aware of it.🍁
I was at Vimy for the centennial in 2017.
I've not been to the site in France sadly, but the architectural maquettes are at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, and I have been there. The maquettes are overwhelmingly powerful. I can only imagine the powerful emotions the monument must engender.
I had the honour of being there for the 100th Commemoration, took students. An experience I can't properly put into words. When we finally arrived in front of the monument, I wept, it struck so deeply that I was actually on Vimy Ridge.
A rare honour indeed. What an incredible memory and moving experience for you, the students, and everyone that was there during the 100th Commemoration.
I was there on 9 April 2012 when it poured rain all afternoon, and again in 2017 in the blazing sun and nearly 30 degree heat. Both were unforgettable experiences.
According to many German sources, during the Great War the Germans respected the Canadians as their toughest foes. That's amazing considering the small size of Canada's population at the time and that our army basically had to be created from scratch using civilian volunteers.
My daughter went there in 2017 on a school trip to the 100th of Vimy and got to visit alot of other Canadian battlefields as well. My great uncle served in both World Wars on the European front and was wounded at Ypres. Therefore we were happy to send her on this trip.
Tash, THANK YOU for your respectful tribute! To quote astronomer Carl Sagan upon seeing photos of earth from Saturn as a "pale blue dot"...."Think of all the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and triumph they could become momentary master of a fraction of a dot".
My great uncle Simon Clarridge was shot in the head and leg at Vimy but survived. It was the day prior to the battle during reconnaissance. Had it been the next day he likely would have died. Before Vimy Canadians were considered expendable. After Vimy they were considered storm troopers. Over 100 years later the human race still fights each other....for what? Vimy was horror. Gallipoli was horror.
I find it ironic that SOME French Canadians might not want to fight when France was one of the countries being liberated in both world wars. Other French Canadians did fight and valiantly so.
The War Museum in Ottawa should be called the anti war museum. It doesn't glorify war in any way....as it should be.
My grandfather, born in Seaforth Ontario in 1901, lied about his age and fought at Vimy Ridge
Peace and Love from Canada.
Thank you Aussie Tash. My husband is a present day soldier in the CAF and we had a wonderful Remembrance Day parade today. I was born 21 years after the WW2 and it was very much in our conscience when I was young. My son is 26 and he very much understands the relevance.
The battle of Vimy ridge represents the moment Canada went from an insignificant backwater of the British Empire, to a serious nation..
Great video! You need to search two other videos on youtube. The 1st is "When Canadians hear the word War" and a Video on French Canadian Leo Major. In WW11 he captured a whole town by himself returning prisoners in usually groups of 10. But one group contained 98 German troops. He was awarded Canada's highest metal of Valour twice, but he refused to accept the first because he thought the awarding officer was an "Idiot". He suffered wounds on 2 occasions that should of sent him home including the lose of an eye. But he refused and kept on fight with an eye patch joking that it made him look like a "Pirate". After the war ended he went back to civilian life. Then the Korean War erupted and Canada called him to action again. In Korea he won his 2nd/3rd highest Canadian medal for Valour making him the only Canadian to win this medal in two different wars. I wonder how many other soldiers from other countries can claim the same thing?
My grandfather’s brother died at Vimy the day before the major battle. I am so very proud to have my relative be part of Vimy and I absolutely love the monument. If I ever get a tattoo, it will be of the Vimy monument.
I'm paraphrasing Churchill when he said. All he needed was British tacticians ,American ingenuity, Canadian soldiers and he could rule the world.
Vimy Ridge is; without doubt, the most impressive site to WW1 anywhere. It expresses the impact WW1 had on Canada.
We never forget. Remembrance Day, 2023.
I have been there and it is inspiring. Even though the land belongs to Canada (given to Canada in perpetuity by the French), very few Canadians visit the site. It is operated by Parcs Canada and staffed by Canadians. As a Canadian you normally get a private tour of the tunnels and trenches; a tour that most visitors don't get. There is also a site a bit futher south (Beaumont-Hamel) that belongs to Newfoundland. It is where the Newfoundland regiment was essentially annihilated on 1 July 1916.
@lucforand8527: For those who don't know, Newfoundland only became part of Canadian Confederation in March of 1949.
Thank you for posting this tribute to my nation , Canada
Sitting here , I am remembering all the WW1 and WW2 veterans that I have known. Including my Grand Dad who volunteered for both wars . Infantry in WW1 and the Navy in WW2.
Thank you again , I really appreciate it.
Its was so emotional xx
My Grandfather fought at Vimy. He never talked about the war, though. I guess it was too horrifying. I only found out where he was through the War Diaries at the Canadian Archives. Some of the stuff I read made me realize why he never spoke of it. The expression "War is hell." is an understatement.
Cheers and thanks to all who served.
The names on the monument are only the names of the unknown graves. The soldiers that died but could not be recovered. There are still far more who died sadly.
Sorry this is wrong. All names are there. The body of my ancestor was buried in the cemetery then recovered and sent back to Canada. The family paid for that, so his name is on the monument but not in the cemetery. What I found a little disturbing was the German cemetery. Crosses were beside stars of David.
I am Canadian born and bred but I have English, Irish back round my Great Grandfather and the family was suppose to come to Canada in 1912 but one of my Aunts got sick with scarlet fever so they could not come and then WWI broke out in Aug 1914, so he enlisted and was KIA on July 16, 1916 at Bazentin Ridge on the Somme so his name live for evermore on the Thiepval Memorial (He has no know grave as he was hit by a shell in a German counter attack and blow to bits this what some of the men that came back told my Great Grandmother) . I have never been there to touch his name but it on my list of things to see now that I am retired. My Grandfather arrived in Canada in 1920 as 14 old boy with my Great Grandmother and 2 Great Aunts in 1920. I have found his regiment's battle diary and some stuff online about and where his regiment and how he died although it doesn't list his name it matches to what the family was told so I have all the info to do a historical tour and see and walk in his footsteps go to the places he went over 100 years ago.
I've been there twice. Once when no one else was around and again for the 100th anniversary. Both times it was very moving. Also been to the Australian war memorial in France.
Its also in the shape of an 11 to signify Armistice/Remembrance Day.
As a Canadian, you cannot see that monument and not cry. It is not a monument to heroism, it is a monument to grief and it is overwhelming. These are the things I remember: we were barely 50 years old as a country, and we may not have known who we were nationally when we went to fight, but we sure as hell knew we were Canadians when we came back. All of the young men of my family fought (my grandfather and all my great-uncles). They were fortunate the whole family was not wiped out, but not one of them came back whole. Their friends who died gave up everything: hope of marriage, hope of children and their futures. What we lost cannot be measured, and the monument says that eloquently.
I have been there a couple of times. Such a beautiful monument to commemorate the tragedy and triumph. I wish all Canadians could see it in person.
The Parks Canada tours are around the trenches at the bottom of the hill, where they can still get flooded by the rain. Then, you get to walk up the hill to the monument - and remember that the Canadians fought uphill under fire to take the Ridge. The paths up are still roped off -- visitors are absolutely forbidden to go off trail as there is unexploded ordnance in those fields.
Minor correction: we work for Veterans Affairs, not Parks Canada! 😅We wear nearly identical uniforms, and it will never not be hilarious how many Canadian visitors - very innocently, mind you - do mix it up.
Thanks for reacting to this Canadian memorial. We reflect back this respect to Australia for their losses and heroism!
A Newfoundland regiment was also lost with your ANZAC forces in Gallipoli. Check it out.
Will do
Saved this video for after the Lament piped in Ottawa. I hope we never see any new monuments.
Tash, your solemn respect, and tears, for Remembrance Day and all it represents - thank you! A Pittance of Time. A very powerful video. Remembrance Day is a very emotional day for me as well. For all that has happened, and all that is happening in this poor world of ours.
I've been to Vimy and it was one of the most moving experiences of my life.
WWI, Canada had a population of 6 million, of that 6 million, 1.1 million took part in the war effort.
Anzac Parade has some amazing monument to honour the ANZAC Army Corps. It’s at least a km long running from the front of Parliament House. The eucalyptus trees down either side of the Parade are something to see. A visitor from Canada I spent the whole day exploring the Parade and then Parliament House. The memorials are amazing. As I recall over a dozen - to nurses, soldiers (I loved this one - the soldiers were gigantic) , navy, air force, cavalry - Boer, Egypt’s Tobruk, , Vietnam, Turkish Korean Wars. And one for your peace keepers. I was disappointed at not seeing one for Gallipoli. I remember the poppies on the wall at another memorial with all the names of the war dead over 100,000 as I recall…. Just amazing to see the poppies lined up along the wall of names in the long corridor . . . literally like a wall of flowers and then the light shining in through the archways .
Vimy is a very powerful, beautiful place. We arrived there on a weekday in the fall and I got a little choked up when I walked into the information centre and was met by a wonderful group of young Canadians. One of whom was the guide for us and a pair of other couples from Britain and Canada as we toured the preserved section of trench, and talked about the battle. What a wonderful experience it was. Very memorable.
The British and the French both tried to take the ridge,with no success .After 2 yrs of planning and training it was Canada's turn, after 3 days of fighting the ridge was under Canadian control. the Germans were calling Canadains Stormtroopers by that point in the war and knew when they showed up it was aboot to kick off.
Thank you for honoring our dead, our fallen soldiers, our veterans and in turn, you own. Well done.
It is an incredible monument to sorrow.
I’m glad you mentioned Terry Kelly; I watch it each 11/11.
My dad was in ww2....he never talked about it
Tash, there's a video floating around specific to the construction of the Vimy monument. Well worth watching.
Good read about Vimy Ridge is the book by Pierre Burton called Vimy Ridge. It is amazing the tactics used during this battle that are still used to this day.
I was a 9 year old British boy when my family vacationed in Normandy, France. We'd already been accepted by Canada and were making plans to emigrate there. We drove to some of the beaches where the WW2 D-Day landings occurred and then to the Canadian war cemeteries. It had a huge impact on me; something I still think about now. The first Canadians I was introduced to were fallen soldiers buried in these places. I've never been to the Vimy Memorial but it's on my bucket list.
My husband and I visited Vimy a few years ago. I can tell you that we were incredibly moved seeing the monument. We found the names of my husband's two great-uncles and grandfather. The land where the Vimy memorial stands if actually Canadian land.
I'm from Canada, and was very lucky to get a chance to go and see it in person. We had just learned about in class before we went, and it still hits me on what we got to see visiting.
"Lest we forget!" We will never forget the valor and sacrifice of those soldiers who fought, and died in both world wars...not only in Vimy. As a veteran from Afghanistan , there are a lot of reasons why Armistice day is dear to my heart. But as a side note, most people are not aware that Canada as NEVER lost a war it fought in. That is one of the reasons why so few countries want to fight if we're involved!
True! We have never started a war, but we have never lost one we have been invite to.
!0 years ago, I moved to a little hamlet in northern Alberta, Canada called Vimy. The original name of this place was Dunrobin. After WW1, because of Vimy Ridge, this place was rename Vimy. It has a miniature of the Vimy Ridge monument in front of the town hall.
Vimy Ridge matters, because it symbolizes the loss and heartbreak of war. War is loss, heartbreak, and tears. It is not glory and triumph, it is loss. Lest we forget.
Thank you for your reaction. I had a grandfather and 4 great uncles who fought for Canada in WWII. All made it home except for the youngest. Killed during the Battle of Hong Kong, Dec 23 1941, aged 18, Lest we forget. 😢
To young to die, lest we forget 😪
Beautiful, Tash. Thank you. Lest we forget.
My grandfather Potter was wounded (shot and then hit by shrapnel) in the The 2nd Battle of Ypres April 24th 1915. After being sent from hospital to hospital he finally was sent back home to Hamilton just near Toronto. When he got out of the hospital here he re-enlisted and returned in time to fight in Lens, The Battle of the Somme, Passchendaele and Vimy Ridge. I never met him as he passed away in 1959 before I was born. I have his medals, his paper, service record and a wooden box that he made while in the hospital just before the end of the war. Interesting story from the Toronto Star in 2007. As the Germans marched across France in WWII it was reported back here that the Vimy memorial was being damaged by advancing German troops. Guess who else was upset as well as Canadians. None other than Adolf Hitler. It was his favourite monument from WWI because it represented peace. Story has it he even had his elite waffen SS stand guard over it.
I visited the site, years ago, with one of my niece. The only way I could describe out it felt to be there, at that majestic yet, sobering monument, is that at one point in time, I realized that we were whispering, out of respect, like if we were in a church, or, in this case, a cathedral. The fact is the Vimy memorial, with the thousands of engraved name of the never recovered dead Canadian soldiers is a giant tomb stone, a place of reflection and respect for their massive sacrifice. I wish every Canadian would have the opportunity to visit. On that day, we had started in the morning by sitting on Juno beach, trying to recapture the events of D-Day (WWII) ... than drove around the coast , visiting the sites, including Berniere-sur-Mer, where stand "Canada house" (likely the first French house liberated on D-Day, by the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada). Then we went inland to visit the grave of our grand uncle, Cpl Willie Fournier (WWI), buried in the Commonwealth War Graves at Ligny-Saint-Flochel. He hadn't had a lot of visitation from his family being so far away from home. And then a small drive to Vimy. And yes, the statues carried a great sense of sorry and loss. Thank you Tash, for your interest in Canada, you make us rediscover our own history.
Went to the Vimy Memorial in 1985 when buddy and I went hitch hiking in Europe as a couple of 19yr olds. We had both wanted to visit the battlesight and hardly knew anything about the memorial that was there, as it was not really talked about in those times in Canada. The battle and how it transformed Canada yes but the memorial was rarely brought up. Its quite a majestic sight when you first lay eyes on it. It was a very somber experience despite just being a dumbass teenager. More somber was the fact the Mermorial and the grounds were in a great state of disrepair. It had definitely been neglected for long time. Its so incredibly stunning now.
It's said during the WWII invasion of France the Werhmacht destroyed many WWI memorial sites but avoid the Vimy memorial. Tim Cook wrote an excellent book on Canadas military involvement.
Vimy speaks for Canada, and who and what we are, but your country Aussie Tash, is right beside us in deed and spirit. I would cheerfully raise a pint with any Australian just based on the proven courage and honor of your forefathers.
I have wanted to go to see the Vimy Ridge Memorial for years. However, I was a basket case after visiting the Commonwealth cemeteries in Flanders and now don’t think I could emotionally handle visiting Vimy Ridge.
My husband and I did all the battlefields and cemetaries in Belgium and some in northern France, including Vimy. As emotional as Vimy was, I will never forget the feelings of gratitude and pride I felt. Yes, you'd be a basket case, but you'd never regret going. Truly one of the great experiences of my life.
Your passion and respect for fallen soldiers is enough mate, lest we forget
I think the story of Anzac Day and Gallipoli for Australia is equally powerful.