Vimy: The Epic Story of Canada's Great War Victory

By Vern Thiessen

In the annals of Canadian history, the Battle of Vimy Ridge stands as a pivotal moment, a triumph that cemented our nation's identity on the world stage. In his gripping and meticulously researched book, Vern Thiessen brings this epic battle to life, immersing readers in the harrowing experiences of the Canadian soldiers who fought and died on those fateful days in April 1917.

Vimy

by Vern Thiessen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1192 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Vimy is a masterful blend of historical narrative and eyewitness accounts, weaving together the personal stories of soldiers, nurses, and civilians with a comprehensive analysis of the battle's military strategy. Thiessen's prose is both vivid and evocative, transporting readers to the muddy trenches, the deafening explosions, and the relentless horrors of war.

The Road to Vimy

Thiessen begins by setting the stage for the Battle of Vimy Ridge, chronicling the early years of World War I and Canada's involvement in the conflict. He examines the political and military decisions that brought Canadian troops to the Western Front, where they faced some of the most brutal fighting the war had yet seen.

The author provides detailed accounts of the Canadian Corps' early battles, including the Second Battle of Ypres and the Somme offensive. These battles forged a bond of camaraderie and resilience among the Canadian soldiers, who proved themselves equal to the formidable German army.

The Plan for Vimy

As 1917 dawned, the Canadian Corps faced a daunting task: capturing Vimy Ridge, a strategic position that had been held by the Germans since 1914. Thiessen meticulously details the meticulous planning and preparation that went into this ambitious offensive.

The Canadian commanders, led by General Arthur Currie, developed an innovative strategy that combined artillery bombardments, infantry assaults, and aerial reconnaissance. Thiessen explains how this plan aimed to overwhelm the German defenses and secure the ridge.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge

On April 9, 1917, the Battle of Vimy Ridge commenced with an intense artillery barrage. Thiessen vividly describes the chaos and carnage that ensued as Canadian troops charged up the slopes of the ridge, facing machine gun fire and barbed wire.

Through gripping eyewitness accounts, the reader experiences the horrors of trench warfare, the bravery of individual soldiers, and the indomitable spirit of the Canadian Corps. Thiessen traces the progress of the battle, from the initial breakthroughs to the final capture of the ridge.

The Aftermath of Vimy

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a resounding victory for Canada, its first major offensive operation on the Western Front. It marked a turning point in the war, boosting morale among the Allied forces and demonstrating the combat capabilities of the Canadian army.

Thiessen explores the lasting impact of Vimy Ridge, both on Canada and on the course of the war. He examines the political and cultural significance of the victory, as well as the price paid by the thousands of Canadian soldiers who lost their lives or were wounded.

Vimy by Vern Thiessen is a powerful and moving tribute to the Canadians who fought and died at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Through meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and evocative eyewitness accounts, Thiessen brings this epic event to life, reminding us of the sacrifices made by our nation's heroes.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Canadian history, military history, or the human toll of war. Vimy is a profound and unforgettable account of a pivotal moment that shaped Canada's destiny.

Additional Information

: 978-1-4434-5040-9

Publisher: Penguin Random House Canada

Publication Date: April 4, 2017

Pages: 432

Awards:

• Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award for Non-Fiction
• Winner of the Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction
• Shortlisted for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction

Critical Acclaim:

• "A masterful work that brings the Battle of Vimy Ridge to life." - The Globe and Mail
• "A gripping and unforgettable account of one of Canada's greatest military triumphs." - Maclean's
• "Thiessen has written a definitive account of Vimy Ridge that will stand the test of time." - The National Post

Vimy

by Vern Thiessen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1192 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE