Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Second Battle of Amiens, and beginning of the Hundred Day Offensive that closed out the First World War.
At Amiens today, 100,000 Canadians went forward and the following men won VCs:
- Lieutenant James Tait of the 78th Battalion, C.E.F. at Amiens, France
- Lieutenant Jean Brillant of the 22nd Battalion, C.E.F. at Méharicourt, France
- Corporal Harry Miner of the 58th Battalion, C.E.F., near Demuin, France
- Corporal Herman Good of the 13th Battalion, C.E.F. near Amiens, France
- Private John Croak of the 13th Battalion, C.E.F. near Amiens, France
- Private William Milne of the 16th Battalion, C.E.F. at Vimy Ridge
As with the way of things, only Cpl Good survived his actions that day, a hundred years ago. The rest died in the field, some taking a second or third machine gun pit or gun position before finally falling. The heroism shown on the battlefield was the culmination of much training, preparation, and pride. The Canadian Corps with 4 divisions had been fighting together for some time, and they would do amazing things before the Armistice.
From Amiens to the end of the war, the Canadian Corps was responsible for destroying 25% of the German Army. Not 25% of the German Army that was defeated or destroyed during that period, but 25% of the entire German Army in the field. 47 divisions were destroyed or put to flight by the 4 CEF divisions in 100 days, a record that my Grandfather was a part of, (and he would remain in the field until 1919 to see the last of the Germans demobbed). No other Allied formation defeated more Germans in the Hundred Days, pound for pound, than the Canucks. The Germans saw the Canadians as the shock troops of the Allies. Contingents of Canadian troops were even moved around to other areas of the front to convince the Germans that the attack would come there next, such was our reputation.
It was not without cost, and the last 100 days would cost Canada 20% of the total casualties we saw over the entire war. In total 45, 835 casualties were incurred throughout the offensive. Many of infantry regiments still honour the Battle of Amiens, as their progenitors were there. 16th CEF is Victoria’s own Canadian Scottish Regiment (the CScot R). The 22nd CEF is the famous Van Doos (R22R). And so on.
Though we play at battle, the cost of war is terribly high, and those of us who have worn the uniform, or who have family who served, or serve, are aware of the tradition of those who have gone before, and the bravery they showed. We should live our lives more fully, with more immediacy as these peaceable times were not gained without suffering, and loss.
So smile in the sun, and in the shade! Play with your friends and families, and keep doing what you enjoy.
Life is precious.