Fortunately the Germans had planned only a limited offensive and, without adequate reserves, were unable to exploit the gap the gas created. After advancing only two miles they stopped and dug in.
The Canadian soldiers fought all night to try and stop the German advance and close the gap. The soldiers fought and though casualties were heavy and they gained very little ground, the held on, giving precious time to the reinforcements on there way.
The more grim battle of St. Julien lay ahead. On April 24 the Germans attacked in an attempt to break through the line. A very violent bombing was followed by another gas attack in the same pattern as before. This time the target was the Canadian line. Here through terrible fighting, withered with shrapnel and machine-gun fire, hampered by rifles which jammed, violently ill and gasping for air through mud-soaked handkerchiefs, they held on until reinforcements arrived.
So, Canada's first appearance in the European front showed the world that Canada was a force to be reckoned with and although the costs were high, it made people respect Canada as a military force.
Early in 1917 the Allies had decided to launch a major offensive. This was a well coordinated attack by French, British, and Canadian forces. The Canadians were given the toughest job, taking down Vimy Ridge. "Vimy Ridge, for the Germans it was a vital key in their defence system and they had fortified it well. The slopes which were in their favour were interlaced with an elaborate system of trenches, dugouts and tunnels heavily protected by barbed wire and machine guns, and defended from a distance by German artillery. They had even installed electric lights, a telephone exchange, and a light railway to maintain supplies of ammunition. All previous attempts to take the Ridge had failed.".
The Canadian commanders learned that sending masses of infantry, would fail, as it had with its allies.