Students prepare to travel to site of Battle of Vimy Ridge

Catherine Reynolds | Nov 02, 2016

An inconspicuous escarpment in northwest France has captured the imagination of a 16-year-old girl from Canada.

“They’re heroes,” Shannon Suffron said quietly, referring to the Canadians who fought for control of the 8km escarpment in World War One.

Known as the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the campaign made history when the Canadian Corps scaled a steep barrier separating them from the German Sixth Army. The Canadians captured most of the ridge during the first day of attacks on April 9, 1917. Three days later, they secured their final objective, a fortified knoll located outside the village of Givenchy-en-Gohelle. It was a pivotal victory in the war.

Almost 100 years later, the battle remains a symbol of Canadian national achievement and sacrifice. Prior to battle, the ridge was considered unsurmountable.

Awed by her countrymen’s courage and innovation, Suffron is looking forward to seeing history come to life when she joins a handful of classmates from La Salle Intermediate and Secondary School (LISS) at the battle site in April 2017.

Suffron is one of five LISS students from South Frontenac Township travelling to France to honour the achievement of our country’s forefathers at a 100th anniversary memorial service.

“I’m very excited,” said the teen in late 2016. “I think it’s a great opportunity to see first hand what I studied at school the year before in Grade 10 History.”

Using the topic to complete her final school project, Suffron studied the battle extensively.

“It’s known as a big Canadian milestone,” she said. “That was our first step in becoming our own country. Our victory earned the world’s respect.”

Aware many of the men who fought in the war were only a few years older than her, the teen paused and said, “I couldn’t imagine people in my grade going to war. Their courage was remarkable.”

Eager to travel overseas for the first time, Suffron noted, “It’s going to be interesting to see how Europeans live and experience their different lifestyle.”

After the service, which is expected to be attended by representatives of the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office and British Royal Family, students will have time to visit Paris and see attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. LISS is one of three schools from Kingston participating in the trip to France.

“To be there exactly 100 years later is pretty spectacular,” said Laura McDowell, trip coordinator for LISS.

A History and Geography teacher at the high school for the past 18 years, McDowell confirmed that the Battle of Vimy Ridge is part of the curriculum for Grade 10 History. She will travel with the group to recognize the impact Canadians had on World War One. The Kingston contingent of 49 people is part of a movement of 15,000 Canadians planning to attend the service.

“It’s nice to have the opportunity to travel with them,” she said. “It’s exciting.”

According to McDowell, LISS students plan to fundraise to help offset the cost of the trip such as transportation to the airport. To make a donation, call 613-546-1737 ext. 239 or write This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“It’s not just people from Kingston there,” said the teacher. “There will be students represented from across the country. It’s a pretty incredible opportunity.”