R1190-61-1

This untitled film shows scenes of the conditions at the front lines of World War One. Shots include: a cat climbing over ruins; a reconnaissance party marching and then taking cover; a soldier sniping from a house; pans of the Canadian and German front trenches; the bombardment of a farm in the distance; a labour battalion moving rails. In several final shots, the town of Cambrai can be seen burning in the distance and then its ruins are seen more closely. <6mn 3s>

Interspersed animated and actuality material of the Canadians in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Western Front, 9-12 April 1917. Animated graphics of a map of the battle, showing the initial dispositions, divisional boundaries, and the three phases of the Canadian offensive. The animation includes a representation of the rolling barrage in front of the attack. Fragments of actuality film of the Canadian second line and rear areas during the battle from the second day, 10 April, onwards. This includes a brief scene of a kite observation balloon ascending and a faked view from the observer's basket out over the trenches. Canadians of 3rd Division, including 42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada) move up. Mounted troops, probably 9th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, trot up a road with German prisoners being led back in the other direction. Men of the Royal Highlanders of Canada digging in. German guns and mortars captured on Vimy Ridge, chiefly 77mm field guns and mortars such as the 170mm heavy Minenwerfer and 76mm light mortar.