“Arras, 1917, ’18” is a Battle Honour awarded to the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), and perpetuated by the Governor General’s Foot Guards.
The Battle of ArrasThe Regiment’s involvement in the Arras sector spanned two distinct phases of the First World War:
• 1917 (The Offensive): The Battle of Arras began in April 1917. General Ludendorf described the opening of this battle on April 9 (which coincided with the attack on Vimy Ridge) as “a bad beginning for the decisive struggle of this year”.
• 1918 (The Defence): In March 1918, during the massive German Spring Offensive, the 2nd Battalion was rushed to the Arras sector to stop the German breakthrough. On March 28-29, the Battalion marched through the “tortuous, rubble-heaped streets” of Arras to relieve the Gordon Highlanders at Telegraph Hill. This position was considered critical, as Telegraph Hill was the key to preventing the enemy from taking Arras.
• 1918 (The Pursuit): Later in 1918, following the success at Amiens, the “developing battle of Arras” shifted toward open warfare as the Canadian Corps pressed the attack against the retreating enemy.
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