Michael Krawchuk
About the Book
The goal of this book is to present and discuss the Battle of Vimy Ridge within the larger context of the Great War on the Western Front. It seems that most books on Vimy have taken a narrow view of the Battle, treating it as an isolated event during the War. This book is unique as it examines the Battle through a broader lens.
It is by placing Vimy Ridge within the context of the larger War that the importance of the Battle becomes clear. There were factors at play in the Great War (i.e. tactical, technological, etc.) that made any attack, like that at Vimy Ridge, a very difficult military operation. How the Canadians were able to overcome these obstacles at Vimy is the main thrust of the book. That they were able to do so made a larger impact on the War and Canada as a nation. It could be said that the Battle of Vimy Ridge is the main character of the book, with the inherent difficulties facing the attacker on the Western Front being the theme.
This book draws on primary source material and academic works. The primary sources are the Canadian War Diaries (National Archives) and first hand accounts of veterans (from published journals, diaries, letters, etc.). The narrative of the Battle is drawn from these primary sources; the War Diaries to construct the narrative and the first hand accounts to illustrate the experience of being there. The larger context of the Great War comes from interpretation of academic works on this subject.
The audience of this book is primarily the general public who have an interest in history. It is written for someone who does not have much knowledge about what happened at Vimy Ridge, but has heard of the Battle, knows that it is important to Canada and would like to learn more about it. Having said this, it is also hoped that the book will appeal to serious students of the Great War.
It is by placing Vimy Ridge within the context of the larger War that the importance of the Battle becomes clear. There were factors at play in the Great War (i.e. tactical, technological, etc.) that made any attack, like that at Vimy Ridge, a very difficult military operation. How the Canadians were able to overcome these obstacles at Vimy is the main thrust of the book. That they were able to do so made a larger impact on the War and Canada as a nation. It could be said that the Battle of Vimy Ridge is the main character of the book, with the inherent difficulties facing the attacker on the Western Front being the theme.
This book draws on primary source material and academic works. The primary sources are the Canadian War Diaries (National Archives) and first hand accounts of veterans (from published journals, diaries, letters, etc.). The narrative of the Battle is drawn from these primary sources; the War Diaries to construct the narrative and the first hand accounts to illustrate the experience of being there. The larger context of the Great War comes from interpretation of academic works on this subject.
The audience of this book is primarily the general public who have an interest in history. It is written for someone who does not have much knowledge about what happened at Vimy Ridge, but has heard of the Battle, knows that it is important to Canada and would like to learn more about it. Having said this, it is also hoped that the book will appeal to serious students of the Great War.
