At the start of a chilly, wet April in 1917, during the First World War, Canadian troops did what other Allies had tried and failed to do on several occasions.
The Canadians, fighting as a unified all-Canadian force for the first time, they pushed the Germans off the strategic high point known as Vimy Ridge.
Now the non-profit Vimy Foundation is launching a campaign to raise funds for a proper education centre to be built near the impressive Vimy Memorial in France
Jeremy Diamond is Campaign Director at the Vimy Foundation.
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Canadians all affectionately call their one dollar coin a “loonie” after the image of a loon on one side. The two-dollar coin is known as a “toonie”. The Foundation is suggesting the Canadians adopt the term “vimy” for the new $20 banknote with an image of the Vimy Memorial.
They are asking Canadians to donate “A vimy for Vimy” to go towards building a new education and interpretation centre on site in France to replace the current small inadequate facility.
Vimy is seen as an iconic battle for Canadians, for the first time the many Canadian units and divisions which had been spread out among the British forces, were brought together and under Canadian command to attack the commanding high point where the Germans had dug in and heavily fortified. Previous British and French attempts had been repulsed with massive loss of life.
With careful planning, and new Canadian tactics, in a four day battle the Canadians took the ridge. This was an enormous morale boost for the Allies, but especially so for Canada, and the Canadian army, already gaining a solid reputation as an extremely tough foe. From this point, the Canadians would be employed as the shock troops in what is known as Canada’s 100 days as they were victorious in every battle to the end of the war.
Postwar, a magnificent memorial was erected on the site as a commemoration to all Canadians who fought in the war.
With many sculpted figures, it is a very moving testament to the bravery and sacrifice of so many.
By asking for a “vimy” for Vimy, the Foundation hopes to raise enough funds to match the $5 million promised by the federal government for the project, which should be completed in time for the centennial of the battle in 2017.
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