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Fields of Battle - Vimy

Vimy Ridge Canadian National Memorial
On the opening day of the Battle of Arras, 9 April 1917, the four divisions of the Canadian Corps, fighting side by side for the first time, scored a huge tactical victory in the capture of the 60 metre high Vimy Ridge. After the war, the highest point of the ridge was chosen as the site of the great memorial to all Canadians who served their country in battle during the First World War, and particularly to the 60, 000 who gave their lives in France. It also bears the names of 11, 285 Canadian servicemen who died in France - many of them in the fight for Vimy Ridge - who have no known grave. The memorial was designed by W S Allward.
No. of Identified Casualties: 11169

© Mike St. Maur Sheil / westernfrontphotography.com

Nimy Canal Bridge - Mons

The original bridge was held by 4th Batt. Royal Fusiliers on Aug 23rd. Lt Dease & Pvt. Godley were both awarded V.C.s for their action at this point. Dease commanded two machine guns which were on the embankment on the left of shot with the Germans attacking from the other side of the canal. By midday one MG was out of action and Dease was firing the other single-handedly although he had been hit three times. When he finally succumbed to his wounds, Pvt. Godley took over and held off the attack for almost an hour before he too was wounded and captured although not before he had thrown the MG into the canal. Dease is buring in St Sy phorien CWGC but Godley survived the war in captivity.
Original bridge was blown up in 1940.

© Mike St. Maur Sheil / westernfrontphotography.com

Sgt. Alvin C York, Medal of Honour - Argonne

Sgt. Alvin York: Medal of Honour
On Oct 8th 1918 2/Batt 328/Infantry was ordered to attack west from Ch-Ch towards a railway which was suppling the German forces encircling elements of 308/Infantry of 77/Division - the 'Lost Battalion' - near Binarville.
Cpl. Alvin York managed to penetrate the German lines to the south of his units line of advance where he came under fire from a machine gun: York returned fire with his rifle and when charged by a group of Germans proceeded to shoot them with his.45 Colt automatic. In all he killed 21 men and then with the remnants of his squad took 132 Germans as prisoner and it was for this feat he received the Medal of Honour.
Today the location of his exploit is hotly contested but this shot is taken in the woods near Chaetl Chehery and is typical of the terrain where York performed his amazing feat of arms.

© Mike St. Maur Sheil / westernfrontphotography.com