Follow in the footsteps of Heroes
on an In The Footsteps®
Vimy Ridge Tour
An In The Footsteps tour to Vimy Ridge can include not only a visit to the Canadian Memorial, preserved
trenches, Grange Subway and Visitor Centre, but can also explore the wider battlefield. Our expert
guides can explain this important battle within its historical context and illustrate its importance in
the formation of an effective and efficient Canadian Corps that for many heralds the birth of the
Canadian Army the birth of Canada's national identity and nationhood.
Join one of our Expert guides on a tour at Vimy Ridge, follow the battle and see how it developed.
On Easter Monday, 9th April 1917 the Canadian Corps attacked the German Forces holding the prominent
ridge overlooking the Douai Plain in the vicinity of Vimy about 5 miles (8 Km) to the northeast of
Arras. This attack was part of the larger Battle of Arras that was launched by the British in support of
the French Nivelle Offensive further south along the Chemin des Dames.
The objective of the Canadian Corps was to take control of the Vimy Ridge that had been held by the
Germans when it fell to them during the Race to the Sea in October 1914. This escarpment was at the
northern most end of the British Arras Offensive and would ensure that the British attacking to the
south could advance without suffering German enfilade fire from the prominent high ground. It was
supported by a creeping barrage, often called the Vimy Glide, and resulted in the Canadian Corps
capturing most of the ridge during the first day of the attack. The bulk of crest of the ridge fell to
the Canadian Corps once the considerable German resistance was overcome with the small town of
Thélus fall to the 2nd Canadian Division during the second day of the attack, 10th April 1917. The
fortified knoll, located just outside the town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle and known as Cote 145, did not,
however, fall to the Canadian Corps until four-days after the initial attack on 12th April 1917. With
the Vimy Ridge in Canadian hands the German Forces were forced to retreat to the Oppy-Méricourt
line thereby having to vacate part of the important coalfields that lay to the northeast of the high
ground.
Financial Protection
Your money is safe. We are members ot the TTA and all monies paid to us are held in a trust account and cannot be drawn down by us until the tour is over.
Why travel with In The Footsteps?
- We have over 16 years experience in designing and operating Private Battlefield Tours, Battlefield Studies and Staff Rides.
- Our team of battlefield historians and guides are selected for their experience, depth of knowledge, enthusiasm and ability to tell the story in an entertaining and engaging way. The majority are accredited members of the prestigious Guild of Battlefield Guides. This means they endeavour to maintain high levels of good practice commensurate with the Guild's ethos.
- We operate a full booking, planning and design service.
- Office is open 24-hours a day whilst the tour is operating.
- Combined Employers and Public Liability Insurance (a copy can be supplied upon request).
Enquire About Your Vimy Ridge Tour Today
If you are interested in this tour please contact us on enquiries@inthefootsteps.com or click on the button below which will take you to our Enquiry Form. Either way, please tell us which tour you are interested in, when you would like to go and how many people there are in your party. You will receive a reply within 24 hours.
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Page last updated: 16 July 2021.