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Hill 70

France / Nord-Pas-de-Calais / Lens /
 battlefield, First World War 1914-1918
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The Battle of Hill 70 was an Anglo-Canadian First World War offensive which took place during August 1917.

Hill 70 itself was a low rise only a few metres higher than the surrounding area, but it gave a commanding view of the city of Lens immediately to the south. When the allies decided to wrest Lens from the Germans following the Canadian success at Vimy Ridge (only a few kms south of Lens) it was determined that the most vital point of strategic importance wall the Hill 70 high ground. Naturally, the Germans defenders had recognized this fact and had heavily fortifed the position.

The attack took place between 15 August and 25 August 1917 and the fighting was bitter. In the fighting, the hill itself was taken and held against ferocious German counter attacks by the Canadians at the cost of a large number of casualties, however the larger offensive against Lens was not as successful.

The fighting on Hill 70 saw many acts of valour, epitomized in the actions of Pte Harry Brown, Pte Michael James O'Rourke, Sgt. Frederick Hobson, Maj. Okill M. Learmonth, CoSgtMaj. Robert Hill Hanna, Cpl. Filip Konowal who were all awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions at Hill 70. In addition to the VC, three DSOs, seven MCs, nine DCMs and 60 MMs were awarded.

Despite this, no official markings or monuments of commemoration exist at the site.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   50°27'21"N   2°49'8"E
This article was last modified 15 years ago