Monchy Le Preux: Arras

In April 1917 the high ground of Monchy le Preux anchored the German defensive positions on Vimy Ridge, just east of Arras. A British offensive planned for Easter Monday 1917 was hindered by not stopped by an unexpected Spring snowstorm. Monchy was defended by the 3rd Bavarian Division and cleverly concealed artillery. While the main British offensive failed, and a supporting French offensive further south was a complete disaster, Monchy was captured after a fierce battle. The final German defenders were driven out, rather unusually for the time, by a British cavalry charge. Monchy was eventually recaptured and the war went on. Today Monchy is much as it was in 1917 and its British, Canadian and Australian memorials receive many visitors. The region as it is today and the tragic events of 1917 and 1918 are covered with all the detail associated with the Battleground Europe series.