Veterans Gordon Marsh and Randy Williams (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

VIMY 106

Kamloops veterans recount the legacy and importance of Vimy Ridge, 106 years later

Apr 10, 2023 | 4:09 PM

KAMLOOPS — On Sunday (April 9), a small service was held by some Kamloops veterans to commemorate the 106th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. It’s estimated that 10,000 Canadian soldiers were killed or wounded in the battle over the strategic position in April, 1917.

“That’s our connection, that’s our heroes, those who fought and died for this city, for this country,” said ANAVETS Past Dominion President Gordon Marsh as he looked at the cenotaph.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge is often referred to as the birth of a nation — a moment when Canada stepped out from under the shadow of Great Britain and prevailed on the world stage against insurmountable odds.

“By winning that, after the British and Americans failed, the Canadians won it over. Commander Bing said, ‘Once you get over that hill keep going because otherwise you stop, you’re dead,'” said Marsh.

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“We celebrate a lot of battles, but Vimy is huge. The loss was tremendous, I believe 3,600 soldiers were killed,” added ANAVETS B.C. Command President Randy Williams.

The exact number of Kamloops kids who fought and died during the four-day assault at Vimy is uncertain. Those known to have died during the battle have been routinely marked by poppies on the cenotaph back home.

“It’s overwhelming how big and how important this battle was. And if it wasn’t for those heroes, who knows where we would be today?” said Williams.

Marsh recently visited the Vimy Ridge memorial site in France, discovering a lost link to the battle, in the form of a lost family member.

“I didn’t know. I went over there and I was reading all the names and saw a couple of Marshes there. I asked one of the guides and they told me to write to this address. And I found out yes, I have a great uncle,” said Marsh.

WWI was a trial by fire for the young nation of Canada, with the battles of Passchendaele, Hill 70 and Vimy Ridge serving evidence for why Canada deserved to be recognized as a world power. It’s evidence that all Canadians should see first-hand.

“These are times in our lives we can never forget and it’s up to us veterans to ensure that the younger people are aware and never, never forget,” said Williams.

“It’s hard for us because we are so far away, but if anybody gets a chance to go over there on a visit, don’t hesitate,” stated Marsh.

Canadians are now honoured at the memorial in France that stands atop Hill 145 at Vimy. It serves as a final resting place for more than 10,000 lost and never found in France — not only during Vimy but the entire Great War.