Battle of Vimy Ridge, 1917 | First World War

[@arwivall]

My great great grandfather fought on Vimy Ridge. He served out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Not much is known about his service outside of that. He kept it so quiet that we didn’t even know he was there until a few years ago around the 100th anniversary of the battle after a family member did some digging long after he had passed.

[@warjunkie8242]

Incredible!

[@PSDuck216]

He’d seen too much. Combat makes one “humble”, if it is defined as quiet and introspective to the point of being withdrawn. My dad served in the Pacific in WW2. He never talked about combat.

[@canadiancutthroat]

Could have been from the lauded Nova Scotia 'work battalion' that was called up to take Hill 145. a right to be proud for sure

[@diegogorostieta6330]

P

[@StephenAndersontheCanadian]

Like my Grandfathers, most of guys never talked about it. Sad to say many of them most likely suffered their whole adult lives from PTSD and no knew....

[@andrewburkinshaw1446]

The last part about the maple leaf sent shivers through me. Couldn’t be more proud to be Canadian. My great grandfather fought on this ridge.

[@Mr._Br1ghts1de]

You have by far the best video on Vimy Ridge that i can find... proud to be Canadian 🇨🇦

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks so much! I'm proud to be a new Canadian too 👍🏻

[@ObeyCamp]

Man, Kevin, I would've given anything to have had a history teacher who was even half as enthusiastic about, and interested by, history, when I was in school. As a teenager, back before KZbin really took off, I did very poorly in history class and didn't like it at all because year after year I got teachers who just treated it like a bunch of soulless facts to be memorized, rather than these biblically awesome, appalling events with such lasting impacts, full to the brim with real people. The way you talk about history breathes such life into the events and the real, living, breathing people who were there, and you make it impossible to not relate to them. Thanks for everything you do. I'm glad that younger people have videos like yours to get and keep them interested in history. There are few subjects more vitally important to all of us.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that's really kind of you Nick, thank you. There'll be lots more history coming down the line 👍🏻

[@stevefranklin9920]

I had a high school history teacher who fought in WWII for the United States and was a lot like you. He was always telling us stories of his career and things he saw and experienced. His name was Joe Williams. He was also a Golden Glove boxer in his early career in the service. We called him “ The Candy Man” because he always handed out hard candy to his students. He saved his last life one day in class, mine! I was choking on a piece of butterscotch hard candy and absolutely could not breathe! I owe my life to him and I really miss his stories. He has since passed away like most of the WWII Veterans have and taken a legacy of brave men and women with them!

[@jbaccanalia]

Well said, he really is that good.

[@raylocke282]

My grand uncle fought here at Vimy.This presentation brought me tears.

[@StellaIrisandTess]

My great-grandfather and his brother were at Vimy and Somme. They were from Prince Edward Island, Canada. They didn't talk about it much but both were ruined human beings when they came back. We know they were forced to serve on firing squads. When they got to the top of the ridge and saw how badly the Germans were suffering, they asked what they could do to help. My great-grandfather used to tell my dad (his grandson), "I've seen more dead men, young fella, than you'll ever see live ones." Heartbreaking.

[@MrSummerbreeze01]

Yes the World Wars are very sad. The common soldiers of both sides ordered to kill each other by the Grandsons of Queen Victoria. Mass slaughter on both sides of a whole generation of men who would/ could have been friends.

[@Wychinsmom]

As my father was in the military, I grew up in PMQs, primarily in Calgary, Canada. Our streets were named after major battles in WWI; I lived on Somme Crescent. Such a simple act naming the streets but it created memories of a time long past. I am so proud of our Canadian soldiers.

[@stickleback73]

Thank you for this. My great grandfather fought at vimmy. He later returned to Canada and settled on the prairies until the dust bowl 30s ... Canadians such understated pround and strong people 🇨🇦

[@fangslaughter1198]

Thanks for covering this Kevin. I was privileged to participate in the Parade at The Vimy Memorial on Vimy Day. 1982. Our Company. November. Of the 3rd Battalion. The Royal Canadian Regiment. Was chosen to parade. We practiced for a month. The monument and the preserved battlefield is spectacular and humbling, and it is the property of Canada. Given to us by France.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, I've been to Vimy too, a few times and hope to pass by again in the spring. Quite something to have been able to participate in the Parade though 👍🏻

[@fangslaughter1198]

@@thehistorysquad We were stationed at CFB Baden Soellingen at the time. Went for three days in France. It was the longest parade I’d Ever done. As well we marched along with the French troops to a French Graveyard I think it was 2km away and did a short ceremony there. Pro Patria.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@fangslaughter1198 Excellent, and thank you for the SUPER by the way. Are you still in SK?

[@myfatcatelliott8840]

My daughter and I visited Vimy ridge on Canada Day and it was an overwhelming experience. Never been prouder of being a six generation Canadian from a military family.

[@Mr9Guns]

My great grandfather fought at Vimy. He was a coal miner in Nova Scotia before the war and took part in these tunneling operations. I had another great grandfather serve in the medical corps. I served with 1RCHA in Afghanistan myself. The Canadian artillery really developed and pioneered many techniques during these battles. Keep up the great videos!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks for sharing that and respect for your service 👍🏻

[@deependcuration]

Greetings, from a born and raised Ontarian!! Love your coverage of The Great War. Cheers my British mate

[@davidcoleman2796]

As a Canadian this was one of the first things we are taught in school . Ww1 made Canada into a real Nation . Thank you for the video. ( you are Canadian now living here )

[@thehistorysquad]

Absolutely 👍🏻

[@davidcoleman2796]

@@thehistorysquad your video moved me . Sometimes we forget our own history .

[@gilanbarona9814]

My family is Canadian. I play the bagpipes, and while I live in Australia, I have always played 'The Maple Leaf Forever' on ANZAC Day. This one's for you, Sir, and for the heroes of Vimy Ridge.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you!

[@rpm1796]

Send a PO. Free Beer for you.... laddie🍁

[@Lemma01]

As ever, a fascinating piece of history, well-told. While I deplore the practice of war, I'm both fascinated by it, and immensely grateful for the sacrifice of those who volunteered to defend what they believed were values worthy of support - even dying for. Thank you.

[@bobp3194]

my grandfather was in newfoundland regiment and i was so proud of him my dad came over to england in the mercantile marine 1939 stayed and was in the merchant navy till he retired he came from mcallum a small fishing community in Newfoundland .

[@peterfife4995]

My grandfather, a proud Nova Scotian,was at Vimy. He was with the 25th Battalion and was blown up on the 9th April trying to take the trench Turko Graben on the summit of the ridge between Bois des Bonval and Les Tilleuis. He survived although he was shipped back to England to recuperate. Later on he re-enlisted for ww2. Loving your channel, extremely interesting and well put across.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Peter 👍🏻

[@Northcountry1926]

As a Canadian, Merci/Thank you Sir With Respect 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇫🇷

[@alfieedge]

Kevin you're a star, you're the Attenborough of human history and I'm buzzing I've found the channel

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks Alfred, I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@ericbooth3393]

As a Canadian, I really appreciate this focus on the Canadian side of the war, a side the rest of the world tends to ignore. My family comes from Liverpool and Belfast. A long history of service in Royal Navy, Marines, and Army in both world wars dating back as far as the wars of roses. As I am only a second generation Canadian I can’t be proud of my family’s personal involvement in these battles, but I am proud of the reputation these men created for my country. I love this channel, so glad I found it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Eric & welcome aboard. I'm a new Canadian having moved here 3 years ago & loving it 👍🏻

[@jeffreese1828]

As an American , I am proud to have Canada both as a good neighbor and a stout ally !

[@lanaconin5704]

Hey, Canada gets more recognition than Australia, although I’ll admit that Canadian soldiers also weren’t recognised as they should have been. Same with ww2, heaps of amazing Canadian and Aussie ww2 stories of amazing things they did yet I had to search so hard to find these stories. It doesn’t make sense huh?

[@ericbooth3393]

@@lanaconin5704 You’re absolutely correct. Canadian and ANZAC soldiers were some of the bravest and most effective men in both world wars. The Germans feared them. We tend to be ignored because of the relatively small size of our countries (population wise) but could the allies have won without us? Britain would’ve been defeated in 1940

[@dougbryant5417]

I’m a jock (Scottish soldier) but take my hat off to the bravery and fighting spirit of the Canadians.

[@jma6002]

This guy is such a great storyteller! Love these videos

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching 👍

[@AyoubusMagnus]

Mister Kevin Hicks with the high quality videos always provides.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers buddy 👍🏻

[@slowslothman1958]

As a 17 year old student I love learning about actual important and interesting history, as schools seems to focus on ancient farming techniques or crop rotations haha. All jokes aside though your channel is brilliant and you can tell you have a passion for history and storytelling in each video.

[@thehistorysquad]

Well thank you very much, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos 👍

[@FromAshToLife]

As a Canadian myself. You warmed my heart. That was a great episode.

[@petergregory5286]

The Canadian soldiers in both wars achieved well deserved reputations for valour and as an Englishman I think all Canadians should be extremely proud of them. Today was our Queen’s funeral and the parade of thousands of military personnel was lead by a group of Mounties escorted by two Metropolitan Police riders. There must have been some very proud family members watching. Regards.

[@RPMZ11]

A great tribute to the Mounties, who she adored, and they likewise.

[@JosiahLCC]

A bit off topic here, I just want to thank (I can never do it enough) many brave Canadians who gave their lives in the battle of Hong Kong, WWII. HK is just a little dot that you can't even see on the map, and yet these men (the C force, and also men from all over the Commonwealth) went there and fought for a place that had nothing much to do with their lives. They fought like hell, I think the first Canadian VC winner of WWII earned it in HK. Also the C force commander (a Brigadier) was KIA, the highest ranking Canadian casualty of the war. I don't know why, but there is something special about the Canadians. When it is time to fight, they fight like there is no tomorrow. Many thanks, Kevin, love your content and please keep them coming.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Josiah, I so agree with you, and get a little bit irritated when I meet Canadians who have absolutely no idea of how hard Canadians fought, not only in WW1 & 2, but in other conflicts too. So if you like, I'm on a crusade to teach Canada some of its own military history. Thanks for your comment. 👍🏻

[@hazmatt4637]

So fun the way he tells stories. I'm glad I get to learn from this man.

[@chrismullins4704]

Wow! What an incredible job you did pulling together such an interesting explanation of this battle. I served for 25 years as a member of the British Columbia Regiment (then known as the 7th Battalion that formed part of the 1st Canadian Division at Vimy Ridge). As a senior NCO, I wish I had you, at my side, to help bring to life, for my NCO's and other soldiers, the relevance, and importance of this particular battle - and battle honour, we wore proudly on our cap badge. LCol (Ret) Chris Mullins, CD.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow too Chris, thank you for the SUPER, it's very much appreciated and it was my honour to share my version of the Battle of Vimy Ridge to KZbin. 👍🏻

[@HaloFTW55]

Weren’t the Dukes a infantry or mounted infantry during WWI?

[@donpackundo6953]

I'm loving this channel, it feels like my grandpa retelling his experience from WW2

[@sirdavidoftor3413]

My interest in the battle of Vimy ridge began during the marking of the Battle in 2017. Later that year, while I was visiting family in Ottawa, my sister and I visited the National War Museum. There, they had a huge display of the war, featuring diary’s of soldiers and metals from families that had relatives in the battle. The display left me speechless., and fostered a hobby of investigating Canada’s war history. Your video enlightened me. Also, you left out how, not only did this battle help define a nation, but also it frightened the Germans, and sealed a reputation for Canada as “ shock troops”. Good video overall. You got another subscriber! Stay safe, stay sane, stay Strong Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey there, thanks for the sub indeed. 👍 I believe I did mention Currie's name as one of the major generals of the divisions. 😉

[@sirdavidoftor3413]

@@thehistorysquad : sorry, I am hard of hearing. I went back and re watched your video. My mistake. I have taken that bit out of my comment. Your description of the battle was very well described. Stay safe, stay sane, stay Strong Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@thehistorysquad]

@@sirdavidoftor3413 All the best, thanks!

[@robsimpson6225]

I had the honour of visiting VIMY Ridge and the Monument really does take your breath away, I also like he fact that all of the Guides are young Canadians, each replaced by other Canadians to keep the history alive back home. A fascinating, yet humbling place to be.

[@thehistorysquad]

Couldn't agree more!

[@willo7734]

I’m glad I found your channel. WW1, 2 and the Middle Ages are my favorite periods of history to read about. Awesome stuff.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Will, welcome 👍🏻

[@stevedeakin1883]

Unfortunately my grandfather lost his leg at the battle of Arras , he was only 19 . He was lucky the 2 friends he was with at the time lost their's 😔😔. God bless every single one of them .

[@marcoengelbracht4141]

Thanks again for this history lesson Sir! Absolutely love to watch this and listen to you!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@thehistoricalhomesteader5415]

My Grandfather fought at Vimy Ridge. I always have strong feelings about this battle. After the 1st world war he refused for any of my uncles to fight in the 2nd world war. It caused strife with some of my oldest uncles not being allowed to

[@samleake2528]

Saw you do a demonstration at a big old tree which I recall you are ever so familiar with many many years ago. Only just found your KZbin channel and now I've got a whole load of videos to go back through and watch. Aside from being one of the events that inspired my long lasting love for history, your clear and consistent passion for the subject is honestly admirable. I'm glad you've decided to venture here because as I remember, you were very personable and entertaining while doing your archery presentation. I wish only the best for you and would like to extend, for what little it is worth, my earnest thanks for all you've done. You put enough awe into a young lad that as a 30 year old man now I've made (and exploded in material trial and error) several of my own longbows. (Joiner by trade). Thanks for reading this far if this comment finds you well - Sam

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey Sam, that's wonderful thank you! I miss that tree, I always had a great audience at Sherwood 👍🏻

[@samleake2528]

@@thehistorysquad And you were and probably are still a better archer (and entertainer) than me! I don't practice as much as I want to or should and usually outstrip the average Noddy in classes but I recall you shooting quite a distance at a small head sized target that I couldn't hit in a month of Sundays, haha.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@samleake2528 Cheers Sam 👍🏻

[@bujin1977]

Fascinating stuff. My great-great-grandfather, William Bennett from Llandinam, Wales, was one of the Brits involved in the wider Battle of Arras. He was a gunner with the 259th Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery. Sadly, he was wounded on 17th April 1917 and died the following day. And just one month earlier, his eldest son was killed at the First Battle of Gaza. I didn't realise you had a YT channel until it just popped up in my feed this evening. So naturally I have subscribed and will be bingeing my way through the videos over the next week or two! :D

[@thehistorysquad]

That's great thank you & thanks for sharing about your GGF. I'll be doing some more WW1 content in the future, after I get back from my UK trip.

[@stephencelestino3451]

You are truly one of the best. Your way of teaching is second to none. Thank you...

[@crusherbmx]

My Grandfather fought in this, a Scotsman who moved to Canada in his teens. Born in 1895, died in 1977 when I was only 6....a man with an interesting back story that we are still piecing together.

[@megsmith9675]

I've never known much about war or anything like that until I came across your channel. Your videos are always so interesting, you go above and beyond to tell the story and make it easy to follow yet packed with info! Thank you so much for your service in your earlier years. Keep up the great work xx

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Meg, will do 👍🏻

[@MrTelfs]

What a great telling of Vimy Ridge. 😢 I remember being taught this battle in Social Studies class and how is was a very important battle to win the war.

[@hydroman99]

Hi from Manitoba, i fell off my chair when in one of your wonderful longbow videos, you mentioned that you were in Saskatchewan. I enjoyed your "no nonsense" take on medieval battles as well as the more recent Vimy Ridge (which is the best explanation that I have heard). Please keep making this awesome content.

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh wow! Thanks I will 👍🏻

[@davetheotter7039]

I have become an 'enthusiast' of thehistorysquad. Always presented in a detailed and interesting manner. Never pause and turn out the light because I've gotten tired when listening to your programs. Thank you for your individual service and especially your continued tribute to the memory of experiences from the past.

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely Dave, thank you 👍🏻

[@aldoringo439]

The level of detail but yet the entertaining way it's conveyed is exceptional.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's really kind, thank you 👍🏻

[@MrBatman19833]

As always a brilliant video. I’ve said this before and I will keep saying this. Thank you so much for making history understandable and very entertaining. Keep up the great work 👍🏻😺😺

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again, it's my pleasure 👍🏻

[@Bibidybobidy]

Was searching "Vimy ridge", and you came up Kevin. Should have checked with you in first place. Thanks Kevin. Great presentation.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@tkatvibez9567]

These models help tell the story so much. Thank you for putting an insane amount of detail into them!

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoy them 👍🏻

[@coleweathers8731]

Really enjoy your material fell in love with your enthusiasm to bring what we only knew in pictures and paragraphs in textbooks My ancestor was a Captain in the Canadian fencibles during the war of 1812 would love to watch you explain some more defining Canadian moments Cheers Cole Ottawa Canada

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Cole, I'm glad you're enjoying the channel. There's so much content I'd love to cover but the war of 1812 is on my list for one day. 👍🏻

[@Hobohullicinations]

I’m commenting so this man hopefully gets more traffic his way! You certainly have a gift and I hope you continue to produce these video!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much, I fully intend to 👍🏻

[@tristans9614]

I just watched the Movie/Documentary Storming Juno. The Canadians were the first ones to successfully capture an objective before any other allied counterpart. It’s crazy to think how many other supporting nations had a lot to do with the major victory’s in any conflict. Kudos to any military vets out there, past or present.

[@spicymiles1037]

I am a huge history buff and I know most of the info that you cover already. But I get excited every time you post a video just so I can hear your take on it. They were lucky to have you working at the castle all those years because I think you could have been on T.V.!

[@johnpaulslater2924]

Another brilliant video and it's good to hear about the Canadian contributions to both wars. You have some of the coolest toys btw that shell is amazing.

[@thehistorysquad]

I'm very lucky, thanks 👍🏻

[@jakekharn9741]

What an incredible story from WWI. I absolutely love all of the topics this channel covers. I could honestly listen to you telling stories of history all day long.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's so kind, thank you.

[@kellybreen5526]

Shorter comment. General Byng became our Governor General. Once an adopted Canadian he became an avid hockey fan. His wife, Lady Byng created a trophy for the most gentlemanly player in a sport which has its genesis in Rugby. In its original form hockey was rugby on skates. The Toronto Mappe Leafs got their sweater from the Canadian Army cap badge. The founder of the team, Conn Smythe was an officer in both World Wars.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Kelly, thanks for your comments, some great information there, I appreciate it 👍🏻. I'll maybe cover triangulation in a video in the future.

[@kellybreen5526]

@@thehistorysquad Watching your 100 years war video today I saw you are a Canadian as well. I am in Bruce County Ontario. Norm Christie came to the Jubilee hall a few years ago and gave a talk about the Hundred Days. Have you ever considered a lecture tour?

[@thehistorysquad]

@@kellybreen5526 Interestingly my great grandfather was killed in the 100 days offensive and it's a part of WW1 that I'm passionate about, it's so overlooked. I haven't considered a lecture tour, wouldn't know how to organize it and not sure that many people would come and listen. Although I was flown out to Denver once to perform my medieval stuff for Stories on Stage 😉

[@davinstein8554]

I was never one for history but this channel really broadens my horizons with these videos. nothing more relaxing than watching your videos with a blanket and a good snack. thank you sir for the lessons.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you like them! Thanks 👍🏻

[@ajzillaproductions816]

This was so interesting to listen to and you put so much effort into the models and you deserve more subscribers than any other history channel!The dedication is astounding so keep up the hard work!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@aleksanderuzelac3319]

Thank you for this amazing video. I'm Canadian myself and our military history is always overlooked. But we are fighting, rough, and courageous men who fought during both world wars since the beginning.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's for sure 👍🏻. Thanks for watching.

[@nottiification]

I really enjoy your presentation style. One of the most watchable presenters on youtube. Thank you for this wonderful content.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you!

[@nottiification]

@@thehistorysquad A good presenter makes every viewer feel like theyre talking directly to you. You have MASTERED that... honestly, you could teach a class on it. That plus your obvious passion for history, all your artifacts, your personal experiences and even occasionally a personal connection to the events. This is a comparison i dont make lightly, but it reminds me very much of watching David Attenborough. I cant get enough. Thanks again!

[@thehistorysquad]

@@nottiification I really appreciate it, thank you.

[@ogreking2175]

My great uncle served in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers 4th battalion and saw action at both Gallipoli and Vimy Ridge. He was called up the day war was declared and was demobbed in march 1919 holding the rank of Lance Sergeant which is a rank I had never heard of before.

[@AlPood]

Yeah, my grand uncle died of wounds here also. Not much mention of the British soldiers and the Scottish division who broke through on the left flank.

[@AlPood]

He was in the 6th Cameron Highlanders.

[@nigellee9824]

As someone who wasn’t in the forces, and wouldn't of entertained it , all those years ago, I've suddenly become quite obsessed with D Day, the invitation of sicily, and the incredible allied action that was beyond belief....also love your knowledge.

[@philipmason3218]

Your content on KZbin is second to none. Every piece you do is excellent, it's so hard to convey the details in an educational as well as an entertaining manner. Once again you smashed it out of the park. There's a movie come documentary about Vimy Ridge, not brilliant but worth a watch. Vimmy Ridge : Heaven to hell. Thanks again for your work.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's really kind of you Philip, much appreciated. 👍🏻

[@chrislola6936]

Seen a couple of your videos, you have a knack for storytelling! subbed.

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome aboard! 👍🏻

[@alm5992]

Great job on this! I was comparing it with old memories of my history class, and I found out even more from you than my class! My teacher never mentioned the struggle to take the pimple after the main ridge, nor did he mention the snipers and cavalry use. I am so glad that you appreciate what every army has done and give them the proper credit they deserve!

[@roberttanguay8532]

Just stumbled upon your channel and I have to say that I love it ❤ I love how you completely submerged yourself into the... (what i can only describe as a very good and comprehensive research into the subject matter) topic at hand. Thank you for all your hard work 😅

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you for your kind words & welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@cannyexplorer5357]

I never heard of Vimy Ridge until I found a missing relative while doing family history. John Cooper Sumner was one of the home children shipped to Canada from England in 1912. He was one of the lucky few who went to a good family in Sonya,Seagrave, Ont called James and Barbara McDougall. He still had a mother living at the time of his removal to Canada. He enlisted into 20thBn 1st Central Ontario Regiment. While he was on route to France he had time in England where he went AWOL for two days. I wonder if he tried to see his mother but there is no written record of this happening. A few months later he was killed on 9 April 1917 on Vimy Ridge, he was 19 yrs old. He was buried at the Zivy Crater, Nr Thelus. Tried to trace the McDougall family but found no trace of them. He is remembered every Remembrance Sunday.

[@thehistorysquad]

What a lovely comment, thanks, I'm glad you still remember him. Interestingly I had a distant cousin orphaned in the war and he went to Canada as a boy and was killed on the Dieppe raid during WW2.

[@PaulewingStHelens]

What a great listen that was. Many thanks.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@joelburns3538]

Wonderful recount of this attack. Your concise explanations and demonstrations (the diorama is wonderful) make things easy to understand. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Joel, glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@kirkmorrison6131]

I love the way you tell historic events, I almost fall off my chair every time

[@thehistorysquad]

LOL

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thank you for A very important look at what, I think is the moment Canada came into its own. I love the models that you put together to better convey the reality of the situation, some of us are visual learners and I thank you. I said before my grandfather was at Vimmy, it was the end of his war, he was gassed that day. He was 13th Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada, Black watch. Canadian Expeditionary force. Thank you for the hard work making the great films for us to enjoy....Best regards, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

You're so welcome Arthur, it was an honour to do this one.

[@ianparker5641]

Well done Kev, I just watched this and the Titanic clips bçk to back. Both creative, engaging and very well narrated. Thanks and well done for highlighting the great efforts and sacrifices that our allies made to help support the allied war effort. Respect brother.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome Ian, thanks 👍🏻 Is all good with you?

[@ianparker5641]

Really good thanks. Btw, a few years ago I travelled on the MV Liemba which has been playing the route on lake Tanganyika for over 100 years and is slledged to have been involved in the first navel battle of WW1 on day one. May be worth a clip...i have some photos

[@thehistorysquad]

@@ianparker5641 Wow, this was the inspiration for the film the African Queen I believe. Certainly worthy of a vid 👍🏻 Just to double check as I have 3 Ian Parker buddies, but you're the Ian from 160 Provost right?

[@pixxertakker]

This story was greatly appreciated. My great uncle fought a Vimy and Paschendale. Both great efforts by Canadian troops. He lied about his age to get in the fight, as many did. He was wounded but returned home and picked up the threads of his life and continued on. Never said very much of his encounters in those battles. most never did say much of those horrors. Our soldiers did more than fight a great battle though, under the newly formed Canadian corp. they went on to forge a great nation...Our country Canada. They made us proud all these years later. As a secondary note Kevin, I was aware that my daughter had contacted you regarding your story on the great pirate Albert Hicks...we were able to track that lineage into our branch of the family. He would be my great, great grandfathers brother. the skeletons in the closet make for the best stories. Thanks again for these great dives into history that you do. Keep them coming.

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh wow, that’s incredible, you never know where your lineage will take you 👍

[@ryderrules4263]

I was watching passchendaele and Vimy was mentioned. ABSOLOUTELY brilliant debrief of the event. Proud to be a generational Canadian 🇨🇦 🍁

[@deleneholm6510]

I love how you always dress the part, Kevin.

[@jmufferaw]

I recommend “Vimy” by Pierre Berton. A great author, a ripping good read, and I dare say, the definitive book on the battle.

[@kelseywatts589]

Thank you for naturally acknowledging the First Nations and Metis contributions.

[@thehistorysquad]

My absolute pleasure 👍🏻

[@jackthebassman1]

Just after the Wellington barracks was opened to the public we visited Arras on our way back from the south of France, as we often did, it’s excellent and anyone interested in the Great War will enjoy and admire the work carried out by the Arras authorities. As a side note, we visited our regular favourite eating place, “The Rib Bar” in the Place de Heroes and after our meal, the owner took us down to the tunnels underneath where we drank a toast to the fallen. Great experience - and the Rib Bar is excellent too. Great post, extremely informative, many thanks for your excellent post and superb diorama.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Jack! As it so happens we'll be in Arras overnight April and will check out the Rib Bar 👍🏻

[@jackthebassman1]

@@thehistorysquad I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Rib Bar, from memory it’s on le Place de Heroes, it’s down steps into a cellar. This visit I’m taking two friends on a Leger Battlefield Tour, I usually go independently, but this time I’m taking a couple of friends. We should be in Arras at around the 20th April, might even catch up although it’s a bit of a long shot as we’re not in control, I was hoping to do the Rib Bar for lunch on the 29th. Anyway, Bon journey and enjoy!

[@jackthebassman1]

Ah, yes, the Place de Heroes, thanks for nudging my old memory. I've always been to battlefields independently prior to last year when I took two friends (that I had infected with le Grande Guerre) with Leger, it was an excellent visit, the guide was superb and really knew his stuff and I learned a considerable amount thanks to him - I'm certain you'll enjoy it too. Once again, thank you for your superb posts, your approach is really excellent, please carry on educating us and creating such great posts. 😊

[@the.holy.ex.machina.empire]

Haven't even watched it yet, but I know it'll be epic when I'm off work....Damn!! You're an uploading machine!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

LOL 👍🏻

[@jimmyghersi]

Fantastic presentation!

[@thehistorysquad]

Many thanks!

[@haggis525]

Wonderful video! Vimy was certainly quite a show. My paternal grandfather was born in England - not too far from Manchester - but got out of Dodge and came to Canada in 1912 with his wife and young daughter. Well, he wasn't in Canada long before he was in uniform and in France (or Belgium... not sure where he was in 1916) only 4 years later. Anyway, he was a Gunner in the RCA and played his small part in the Vimy show. Good news for me - since he had not yet had his son (my father) - he was back in Canada in 1919. Left a leg behind from mid-thigh down but the important bits came home. Had 3 Uncles over there too - maternal side... not sure if they were at Vimy. 2 were infantry and the other was some medical trade... these 3 came home as well. Enjoying the content! Thanks again!

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣 thanks for your comment Christopher, they (and you) were lucky 👍🏻

[@la_old_salt2241]

That was very fortunate. To have had 4 relatives like that come home was rare.

[@iainclark2959]

Thanks for doing this engaging video about an very important battle for Canada!

[@thehistorysquad]

You're most welcome 👍🏻

[@kellybreen5526]

I was with 11RCA for almost 10 years. John McRea had served in the Regiment in the Boer War. It is Canada's oldest Artillery Regiment formed in 1866 to defend Wellington County from the Fenians. I spoke with Norm Christie coming out of the loo in Walkerton when he was giving a talk about the 100 days. I think the Hundred Days was actually Canada's greatest achievement, but Vimy is the battle in our mythology. One thing the artillery plan managed to nail was every pillbox had been marked. Telescopes would point at flashes that the patrolling infantry enticed to fire. The two telescopes would be angled, and since we knew the distance, measuring the angle gave us the range. Each position was this premarked and assigned to a particular battery for destruction. The assault teams were groups of 4 with one man facing backwards so when concealed Germans popped out to fire into the backs of the advancing infantry they got a nasty surprise. As a rule these "back stabbers" were never permitted to surrender. By that I mean if they thew up their hands our guys would give them the cold steel. I grew up in Owen Sound. A town of 20,000 that has 3 VC winners who all survived the war as citizens. The ace Billy Bishop is the most famous, but Tommy Holmes won the VC at Passchendele capturing a pill box single handed with grenades. I knew his niece. I really appreciate your work.

[@cherimolina2121]

Thank you. Interesting story in itself. We're losing the nitty grit of war mindset as we all think we're so advanced. War is always war. It's hard work and death.

[@michaelkrinsky3582]

Once again, brilliant content brilliantly delivered! And Canada showed their allies how to do the job the proper way. Cheers Canada and Cheers Kevin! :D

[@thehistorysquad]

Much appreciated!

[@RustyyMann]

The formations and constant forward aggression is truly outstanding. As you said, so brave. Good stuff.

[@thehistorysquad]

Absolutely 👍🏻

[@Bibidybobidy]

I really enjoy your presentations. Especially your WW1 history. Please keep up the great work. Your refreshing, not boring or stagnant. And there's nothing like a British accent to tell a good story

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Babby 👍🏻

[@rednecknickell1960]

I stumbled upon your channel by accident and I absolutely love it. Its great to see somebody teaching history with a passion and enthusiasm that we don't really get to see anymore. Im a huge history fan and look forward to seeing more videos, keep up the great work!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much, I will 👍🏻

[@helenaperez2683]

Very interesting information! love the scenography and the recreation of the battle field for explanation, very entretaining and educative video.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Helena 👍🏻

[@johnpauldavis1967]

wow what a great story well told. The model, soldiers, filming - EXCELLENT :-)

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers JD, that's appreciated 👍🏻

[@Oxidize]

great video!

[@nicholisredfern7463]

I enjoyed the model and cool bits of historical pieces of the battle of the somme mortar. Very cool and a great historical story, thanks

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome 👍🏻

[@mauddib696]

Dammm I was really scared at first when I saw the profile pic… thought it was by the not so historical History Channel. But loved the video and the phenomenal content. Plus as a proud Canadian this was extra great to learn more about. Didn’t know it was the first victory for the allies for example.

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent, thanks. Glad you liked it!

[@kevinomaley9780]

Thank you, my grandfather was there, he served with the Canadian Artillery at Vimy Ridge.

[@vernvernham9519]

I love hearing Canadian war stories were such a quiet place when it comes to our military history and stories

[@thehistorysquad]

It's one of my frustrations, the number of Canadians who meet who have no real knowledge of their military history 👍🏻

[@randomguy9113]

Thank you for this, I really love this kind of focus on the battle and what we Canadians did and how they approached this battle with new innovative tactics. If I were to give one critique it would be the lack of maps of the area and of troop movements. I would like to show this video to my mom, but she's more of a visual learner and I think she would get lost trying to visualize everything herself. Other than that I also love the models you used to provide an example of taking out the machine gun nests, and I loved the photos you were able to include as well!

[@thehistorysquad]

Point taken 👍🏻 We tried to source a copyright free map, but struggled as everything was so vast and complex it made it confusing. I might consider creating a map myself next year and re-release it.

[@pauladebruijn4202]

Both of my granddads were there. That is why I find this subject so compelling. I try to imagine what they might have been doing.

[@andrewlopez9697]

Wow another amazing video ill be waiting for the next one thank you for not just giving us history like the other 1000 channel's that do the same thing you help to take us there and show us what the battles really mean and most importantly what they cost

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Andrew, that's appreciated. There'll be more to come for sure 👍🏻

[@blindarchershaunhenderson3769]

Another good one Kevin, I don't actually know much about the first world war, so thanks for the history lesson, keep them coming😎🏹🙏

[@paulredinger5830]

You must have a Hugh storage area for all your models!!!!!!! Love your channel brother! Well researched, and your enthusiasm for every topic is spectacular! I love your passion you share with us! Well done brother!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍

[@PSDuck216]

My relatives are all over Canada, many having supported the Crown in the War of Independence. ( That war, like our Civil War, split the family.) As Gallipoli was for Australia and New Zealand (and Canada), a defining moment, I agree that Vimy was for Canada. Well done, Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Allen 👍🏻

[@RileyTG204]

Both of my great great grandfathers were snipers in vimy ridge from the 44th. I wonder if they carved some of the maple leafs in those tunnels