<– Part 142 – April 8, 1917  | Part 143 – April 15, 1917 |  Part 144 – April 22, 1917 –>

Map of the “creeping barrage” of artillery at Vimy Ridge

The Allied assault at Arras began April 9, with Canadian forces distinguishing themselves at the Vimy Ridge. The offensive had been originally scheduled for Easter Sunday, but was delayed one day to prevent Christian nations from slaughtering one another on that holiday. The Canadians achieved their objectives quickly, due to a focus on divisional-level attacks and artillery commanded by divisions in a “rolling attack,” where the artillery is just ahead of advancing infantry. Meanwhile the German commander was confused about his defensive orders and kept his reserves too far from the battle to be of use. Both sides are now consolidating their positions, with thousands of engineers building roads, digging gun pits, and dragging heavy artillery into position.

Canadian soldiers and their tank at Vimy Ridge

At Monastir, the French assault is still bogged down, but neither side possesses the peak of the mountain. In Persia, the Russian forces face desertions as soldiers receive news of the revolution. In Africa, the Senussi have signed a peace with Italy and England on April 14.