On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the KMA and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 hosted the commemoration of this significant milestone year and inaugurated the Kamloops Cenotaph clock on Sunday, April 9, 2017. Local Kamloops residents gathered for the Parade of Colours, Canadian National Anthem, laying of wreath, inauguration of the Kamloops Cenotaph clock, and Royal Anthem "God Save the Queen".

100 Years Ago | Battle of Vimy Ridge

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a pivotal moment in the Great War (1914 – 1918) for the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. The battle was part of a larger battle of Arras, near the border of Belgium and it marked the first occasion on which the four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces fought together. Their success broke a longstanding stalemate at the Western Front and was one of the crucial junctures that led to the war’s conclusion.

The Canadian Expeditionary Forces faced a challenging geography. The steep incline required improvements in artillery and the inventive use of an extensive tunnel system that allowed soldiers to advance towards Vimy Ridge unseen. While victory was achieved, it resulted in tremendous casualties. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial at the site marks over 11,000 names of those whose lives were lost.

The high proportion of recruits magnified the sense of recognition and respect for those who served and the grief for those who did not survive. On the Kamloops Cenotaph are the names of 12 soldiers who lost their lives at Vimy Ridge, among numerous others who survived the battle, but never returned home.

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