Library and Archives Canada
Published on Apr 13, 2015

This film is a heritage item from Library and Archives Canada and is only available in English.

Interspersed animated and actuality material of the Canadians in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Western Front, 9-12 April 1917. Animated graphics of a map of the battle, showing the initial dispositions, divisional boundaries, and the three phases of the Canadian offensive. The animation includes a representation of the rolling barrage in front of the attack. Fragments of actuality film of the Canadian second line and rear areas during the battle from the second day, 10 April, onwards. This includes a brief scene of a kite observation balloon ascending and a faked view from the observer's basket out over the trenches. Canadians of 3rd Division, including 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) move up. Mounted troops, probably 9th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, trot up a road with German prisoners being led back in the other direction. Men of the Royal Highlanders of Canada digging in. German guns and mortars captured on Vimy Ridge, chiefly 77mm field guns and mortars such as the 170mm heavy Minenwerfer and 76mm light mortar.

Source: Library and Archives Canada. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation : Canadian Film Institute fonds, 1972-0108. IDC: 25255