Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Silvia Senna

'These names aren't just names on a cenotaph'

Kamloops holds ceremony to remember 107th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Apr 8, 2024 | 3:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Battle of Vimy Ridge is considered a defining moment in Canadian history. On April 9, 1917, four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together for the first time in World War I. The Canadian troops took over the ridge after intense battle against the Germans — something that Britain and France had failed.

However, the victory came at a terrible cost.

“The losses of this battle are difficult to comprehend. The Battle of Vimy sent 100,000 troops over the top and into no man’s land. Of those 100,000 troops that battle that valley, 10,600 died and never returned home,” said Capt. Tammy Hale at a ceremony in Kamloops Saturday (Apr. 6).

“Thousands of soldiers were killed. Many, many more thousands were wounded. And so it’s important that we remember the sacrifices of the of the young men that lost their lives. The ultimate sacrifice for Canada and their fellow soldiers,” added Mike Young, former military and president of the Rocky Mountain Rangers Association.

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A lot of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Vimy were from Kamloops and their names are remembered at the cenotaph on Battle Street. On Saturday, a ceremony was held in front of the monument to honour them.

“These names aren’t just names on a cenotaph anymore. I’ve been there. I’ve walked the ground that they walked on. I’ve walked the ground that they spilled their blood on,” told Young.

“The names of those from Kamloops who never returned are remembered on the cenotaph and on the streets and landmarks of Kamloops. We will remember them,” said Capt. Hale.