Preparation and Training
Recognizing the daunting challenge ahead, Canadian commanders implemented meticulous and innovative training methods unseen in previous battles. Troops rehearsed extensively on detailed, full-scale replicas of the battlefield, constructed using aerial reconnaissance photographs and precise intelligence reports. This allowed soldiers to visualize objectives clearly, coordinate movements, and anticipate enemy defenses. Commanders emphasized individual initiative, ensuring every soldier understood their role and objectives thoroughly. Additionally, artillery units practiced synchronized barrages timed precisely with infantry advances, a tactic known as the “creeping barrage.” This rigorous preparation instilled confidence, fostering a level of discipline and cohesion that would soon astonish the world.
