Joint Statement on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Hill 70

August 15, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Veterans Affairs Canada

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Minster of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Kent Hehr issued the following statement to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Hill 70:

“The Battle of Hill 70, which took place August 15-25, 1917, was a significant military engagement for Canada. Hill 70 was the first major action fought by the Canadian Corps under a Canadian commander in the First World War.

“To divert German forces from Passchendaele in Belgium, Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie was ordered to attack the city of Lens, France. The city, at that point mostly rubble, had been heavily fortified and would be difficult to fight through. Lieutenant-General Currie determined that a dominating hill overlooking the city should be taken first.

“The Canadians attacked on August 15th and captured many of their objectives, including the high ground. Over the next few days, they held their positions against a remarkable series of 21 German counterattacks. In the 10 days of battle, approximately 2100 Canadians would give their lives; over 1300 of these have no known grave. An additional 7000 were wounded or taken prisoner.

“Losses were heavy, but six Canadians would earn the Victoria Cross as a result of their courageous actions, and the strategic high point of Hill 70 would remain in Allied hands until the end of the war. Those brave Canadians who gave their lives for this country, at Hill 70 and on the other battlefields of the First World War, will always be honoured by a grateful nation.ˮ

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Contacts

Jordan Owens
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Email: jordan.owens@forces.gc.ca

Sarah McMaster
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
(613) 996-4649