Ministers of National Defence and Veterans Affairs mark the 105^th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens and the beginning of Canada’s Hundred Days

August 8, 2023 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, we acknowledge the 105^th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens – a crucial engagement that opened the door to victory in the final phase of the First World War. It was the start of three months of stunning battlefield achievements that became known as “Canada’s Hundred Days,” where the actions of our soldiers helped define the Canadian Corps as one of the most effective fighting forces on the Western Front.

The Germans launched a series of offensives in March 1918 aimed at breaking a stalemate following years of bitter trench warfare. In August 1918, the Allies launched their own offensive, with the Canadian and Australian Corps leading an attack at Amiens, France, on August 8. Led by Lieutenant General Sir Arthur Currie, the Canadians advanced a remarkable 12 kilometres that day, and they had captured more than 5,000 German prisoners and 161 guns by the time the battle ended on August 11.

Three months later, the Canadian Corps had taken ten times that ground, capturing some 32,000 German prisoners and almost 3,800 enemy artillery pieces, machine guns and mortars. The Victoria Cross, the highest military award, was given to 30 Canadians and Newfoundlanders for their efforts.

The Allies’ success on the battlefield finally forced Germany to negotiate for an armistice, which ended the war on November 11, 1918. Over those closing three months of fighting, approximately 39,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders were wounded, and more than 6,800 made the ultimate sacrifice.

On this 105^th anniversary, we honour those who fought in the Battle of Amiens and during Canada’s Hundred Days. We also remember the many others who have served Canada at home and abroad, and recognize military families and communities across Canada for their support to our armed forces.

Quotes

“I join people across our country in saluting the Canadians and Newfoundlanders who served during the First World War. During the Battle of Amiens and Canada’s Hundred Days, our troops demonstrated immeasurable courage and bravery – and I encourage all Canadians to learn more about this important part of our military history. Together, let us honour their memory, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we forget.”

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

“Canada’s Hundred Days represents the last three months of the First World War, when the Canadian Corps on the Western Front solidified their reputation as elite shock troops. The price they paid for victory cannot be overstated. As Canadians, we recognize the importance of keeping the memory of those who fought during the First World War alive and passing the lessons that their actions have taught us on to our nation’s youth.”

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Associated Links

Battle of Amiens

Canada's Hundred Days