German Stronghold Where? -Vimy Ridge Significance: -controlled area -included coal fields Previous Attacks: -France failed -Britain failed		Claiming back Vimy Ridge was a great victory because it had been one of Germany’s strongest positions in France. The Germans had captured this stronghold in October 1914. They used the 135-metre ridge to control the surrounding area and the important coal fields of Northern France. In 1915, the French tried twice to take the ridge. They failed at both attempts and lost 110,000 men. In 1916, the British also tried to capture the ridge. They too were unsuccessful. The Germans on Vimy Ridge seemed invincible.