Vimy Ridge
World War I Battlefields
The area around Lille, Arras, St-Omer and indeed the whole of Flanders was totally immersed in the carnage that was World War I - the so-called Great War. The were several battles lasting short e.g. a few days and long periods of time e.g. months. All involved massive numbers of casualties on both sides.
As you drive around today’s peaceful countryside you come across war cemeteries maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. (Their website address is given below if you wish to visit one and pay you respects).
During 1915 there were the Battles of Ypres and Loos; 1916 saw the Battles of Verdun and Somme take place while during 1917 there were the Battles of Messines, Passchendaele and Cambrai. Several more took place before the War ended in 1918.
Another notorious battle during April 1917 was at Vimy Ridge in which Canadian troops were heavily involved. Today you can visit the Memorial and Visitor Education Centre. The visit includes a guided tour of the tunnels and trenches.