Vimy Ridge, Battle Of

9th April 1917

An Allied attack on a German position in World War I, near Arras in France. One of the key points on the Western Front, it had long resisted Allied attacks. Canadian troops under General Byng and commanded by General Horne launched an offensive. In 15 minutes, despite heavy casualties, most of Vimy Ridge was captured and 4000 prisoners taken. The Allied offensive was unsuccessful elsewhere and by 5 May had ground to a halt.