Vimy Ridge

Having visited most of Western Europe and returned to Paris from Scandinavia, we decided to make one last stop at Vimy Ridge, north of the French capital. This is the site of a significant Canadian victory in the First World War, and there is now a national memorial honouring the sacrifices of the Canadian soldiers who fought there. The 1917 battle is considered a defining moment for Canada, as it was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together, leading to a successful, meticulously planned assault to capture this strategically important Ridge in northern France.

The names of each Canadian soldier who died in this battle have been inscribed on a wall bordering the site. Kathy found the name "Bissett" there and pointed it out as I took a picture - the last one of the entire 9-week trip!