72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - waughfamily.ca

VIMY EIDGE.held, at which Major A. D. Wilson was presented with theDistinguished Service Order, which he had been awardedin connection with the raid on March 1st. Several otherofficers and other ranks also received their decorations onthis occasion.On that evening the Battalion moved into Gobron Tunnel on Vimy Ridge in readiness for the final attack. Theculmination of months of tireless effort, of difficult raidsand patrols was now in view. A winter spent under themost trying conditions was to show results. That the 72ndBattalion had paid the price was to be seen in the factthat wastage and casualties had so far reduced its numbers that 400 of all ranks was the total number assembledin the tunnel on that evening.The Canadian lines had been shortened to a front ofabout 7000 yards. To the 72nd was given a place of honour. They were to occupy the left flank of the whole attack a most difficult and dangerous position. The preliminary work had begun nearly three weeks before whensystematic artillery destruction of the Boche lines wasopened in earnest. An enormous number of guns had beenaccumulating for the blow. New shells were being used,armour-piercing and delayed-action shells which penetrated deep into the ground, blowing up deep dugouts. Thechalky country around Vimy lends itself to mining, andmines had been prepared.Hot soup and other refreshments were supplied to thewaiting men and were much appreciated. Zero hour was5:30 a.m., when, in addition to a terrific artillery and machine gun barrage, two heavy mines were to be sprungunder the enemy trenches opposite to the 72nd front. Atabout 5 a.m. on this Easter Monday, April 9th, the Battalion quitted Gobron Tunnel and filed into the assemblytrenches. It was a most inclement morning of sleet andsnow which the west wind fortunately drove into the facesof the foe. The Ridge itself, churned out of all semblance47