Using your knowledge of the Battle acquired during the trip and by referring to the information provided about the war, explain which interpretation of the Battle you feel is the most accurate.

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Using your knowledge of the Battle acquired during the trip and by referring to the information provided about the war, explain which interpretation of the Battle you feel is the most accurate

Vimy Ridge was such a valuable place for both sides in the First World War, as the Ridge rose sixty-one metres above the plain and protected an area of France that held very important factories and mines that could be used to make ammunition – contributing to the War effort.  The Ridge also covered the junction of the main Hindenburg Line and the defence systems that ran north to the Channel Coast.  

Source F is an extract showing the conflict as a complete success out of which the Allies have produced a great victory capturing Vimy Ridge from the Germans.  The battle was a success as the Allies, in the form of the Canadians, made plans and careful preparations for the battle.  They made a full-scale replica of the battlefield and the troops practised the attack manoeuvres until they knew exactly what to do and when to do it.  They also had aerial reconnaissance to continually update intelligence on the German defences by taking photos of the area.  Also, tunnellers cut out twelve subways underneath the chalky ground; in order for infantry to move under cover to the German front line, as close as possible to the enemy.  Three weeks of continuos shelling softened up the German trenches and cut barbed wire so the troops could move effectively and quickly on the ground.  The capturing of the Ridge was also very quick – it only took until early afternoon for all three of the enemy trenches to be captured.  Therefore this could be seen as a splendid victory.

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Source F may be inaccurate as the Douai Plain and Lens, the area north of the Ridge, was not captured.  This was due to the Germans hiding in the woods and being able to shoot back at the Canadians.  Also, the Canadians were not able to get the big guns and artillery up the Ridge as it was far too muddy.  Likewise, the battle was not a great success, as the British and French failed to break through either side of the Ridge leaving the Canadians alone.  

Source G shows the battle at Vimy Ridge as ...

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