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Mount Sorrel

From June 2 to June 13, 1916, Canada's 3rd Division valiantly defended Mount Sorrel near Ypres. This strategic high ground was essential for Allies, but faced with a relentless German bombardment and four devastating mine explosions, Canadian forces suffered heavy casualties, especially the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles and the PPCLI. Despite initial setbacks and retreat, General Arthur Currie's meticulous planning and counter-attacks ultimately led to regaining the lost territory on June 4. The battle resulted in over 8,430 casualties but provided crucial lessons for future engagements.

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Mount Sorrel

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  1. Mount Sorrel June 2 – 13, 1916

  2. Canada’s 3rd Division held the hill at Mount Sorrel, just outside Ypres. • This was one of the only pieces of high ground the allies still controlled in the area. • On June 2 the Germans unleashed a furious bombardment at the Canadian position and, at the same time, exploded four huge mines under the Canadian position. • Whole sections of trench line were obliterated.

  3. Of the 702 men of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles, only 76 survived unhurt. • PPCLI lost 400 men. • The Canadians retreated from the hill • For some reason, the German attack stopped at nightfall. • The next morning a Canadian counter-attack was beaten back and 4 more mines were exploded under their position. • General Byng gave command of a second counter attack to a Canadian General – Arthur Currie.

  4. General Sir Julian Byng General Sir Arthur Currie

  5. Currie prepared his men meticulously, rehearsing their attack strategy several times before it was put into action. • Currie ordered the big guns to fire on the German positions, then stop. When the Germans re-manned their machine guns, Currie would again unleash the big guns on their position. • He did this four times. The fifth time, the Germans didn’t come out of their bolt holes, giving the Canadians a chance to get across no-man’s-land.

  6. The Canadians were able to regain all of the area they had lost on June 4. • 8,430 casualties • Canadian victory, but more importantly, Byng and Currie had learned valuable lessons which they would use later at Vimy Ridge.

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