Did you know that Hill 70 near Lens was the site of a brutal but largely forgotten Canadian victory? This seemingly insignificant hill played a pivotal role in the First World War. The Battle of Hill 70 raged from August 15 to 25 1917. It was a clash between the Canadian Corps and five German divisions. The Canadians aimed to inflict massive casualties on the German 6th Army. This was to draw German troops away from the disastrous Third Battle of Ypres.
The battle was a strategic masterstroke by Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie. He recognized the tactical importance of Hill 70. This overlooked Lens and the Douai plain. Currie argued successfully for capturing Hill 70 instead of Lens itself. He knew capturing the hill first would give the Canadians a commanding view. It would also allow for precise artillery fire. This would decimate any German counterattacks. Currie’s intuition proved correct.
The assault began before dawn on August 15. A creeping barrage of artillery fire shielded the advancing Canadians. The Canadians swiftly overran their objectives. The Germans however responded with a fury of counterattacks. Twenty-one in all. The fighting was brutal and desperate. Hand-to-hand combat was frequent. Both sides used poison gas. The Germans introduced a new weapon. This was the devastating yellow cross shell containing sulfur mustard. This caused horrific burns and blisters.
Despite the German counterattacks Hill 70 remained in Canadian hands. Currie then launched attacks on Lens itself. This resulted in further heavy casualties for the Canadians. The Canadians managed to capture western Lens but stiff resistance ended the advance. The Battle of Hill 70 concluded on August 25.
Though the Canadians didn’t capture Lens the battle was still a resounding success. It inflicted heavy losses on the Germans. It prevented the transfer of five German divisions to the Ypres salient. Six Victoria Crosses were awarded for bravery at Hill 70. This battle shows the courage and skill of the Canadian Corps. It is a testament to their strategic thinking in a horrific war. It is a battle worth remembering.