#Arras104: #OTD in 1917 British & Commonwealth soldiers took part in the opening phase of the Battle of Arras. In the North, the Canadians took Vimy Ridge after five days of fighting & over 10,000 casualties. [thread]

#Arras104: On the right of the Canadians British troops from 51st (Highland) and 34th Divisions attacked the ground NE of Arras, taking the railway cutting near Maison Blanche & pushing on to Bailleul.

#Arras104: Beyond that a Scottish Division, the 9th, commanded by a South African, Henry Lukin, took the high ground at Pont du Jour where later their memorial cairn was placed.

#Arras104: East of Arras more Scotsmen (it was very much a Scottish battle) from 15th Division and English regiments in 12th (Eastern) Division attacked towards Feuchy and Monchy.

#Arras104: On their right, the Hindenburg Line between Tilloy and Neuville-Vitasse was assaulted by the 3rd, 14th (Light) and 56th (London) Division, often up against some stiff resistance. (these are German images taken at Neuville before the battle)

#Arras104: Further to the South the men from 30th and 21st Divisions fought their way into the formidable defences of the Hindenburg Line; the thick black belts of wire can be seen in this 1917 air photo.

#Arras104: this was just the start of one of the bloodiest British battles of the Great War involving men from Britain and many Commonwealth nations, and a fascinating battlefield to explore.

#Arras104: for a long time Jon Nicholl's book was the only one on the battle, but now there are others by @jbanningww1 @boiry62128 @CookseyJon & my own 'Walking Arras' published by @penswordbooks. All worth a look to help explore this fascinating battlefield.