Arras-country-artois-tourismArras-country-artois-tourism
©Arras-country-artois-tourism|Arras Pays d'Artois Tourisme
The Battle of Arras
  1. Home
  2. The Battle of Arras – 1917’s Forgotten But Fierce Offensive

The Battle of Arras – 1917’s Forgotten But Fierce Offensive

Why Arras? The Strategic Role of the Region

In early 1917, the First World War was entering its third brutal year. The small city of Arras, in northern France, found itself at the centre of a bold Allied strategy. Located between the Ypres Salient and the Somme, it became the launch point for a major British-led offensive.

Why here? Because Arras wasn’t just well-placed — it was also full of secrets. Beneath its quiet streets, ancient chalk quarries were transformed into a network of tunnels, hiding thousands of troops just metres from the German front lines. The goal? Surprise the enemy. Support the French attack further south. And maybe, just maybe, break the stalemate of trench warfare.

British and Commonwealth Forces at Arras

By spring, British troops had fully taken over this section of the front. But they weren’t alone. Soldiers came from across the Empire: Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans. Over 400,000 men gathered near Arras — a patchwork of accents and uniforms, united by a common cause.

The Canadian Corps at Vimy Ridge

To the north of Arras, the Canadian Corps — all four divisions together for the first time — prepared to take Vimy Ridge. It was a high point, literally and symbolically. From April 9 to 12, they captured the ridge in a well-planned assault. It was a proud moment for Canada, but it came at a heavy price: over 10,000 casualties.
While the Battle of Arras in 1917 was a pivotal moment for British and Commonwealth forces, it followed earlier, equally devastating French offensives in the same region. Discover the lesser-known Battles of Artois (1914–1915) — three major campaigns that set the stage for what came next.

Australians, New Zealanders and Other Allies

Elsewhere, Australians fought further south, while New Zealand tunnellers — many of them former miners — worked underground to dig towards enemy lines. Their efforts helped lay the groundwork for what was to come.

Monchy Le Preux British Soldiers In 1917THE BATTLE OF ARRAS, APRIL-MAY 1917 (Q 2021) Battle of the Scarpe. After a direct hit on a German ammunition waggon; Monchy-le-Preux, 11th April 1917. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205073172
©THE BATTLE OF ARRAS, APRIL-MAY 1917 (Q 2021) Battle of the Scarpe. After a direct hit on a German ammunition waggon; Monchy-le-Preux, 11th April 1917. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205073172|© IWM (Q 2021)

    Underground Warfare – The Hidden Side of the Battle

    While artillery pounded above, something remarkable was happening below. A 20-kilometre maze of tunnels allowed entire units to move unseen beneath the battlefield. The Wellington Quarry alone sheltered 24,000 men.

    New Zealand tunnellers used only pickaxes, shovels, and grit to dig the way forward. Their work turned the element of surprise into a reality. Today, you can visit the site and experience the same tunnels — dark, narrow, and filled with echoes of 1917.

    Underground Wellington Quarry / ArrasProjection of silhouettes on the walls at exit number 10
    ©Projection of silhouettes on the walls at exit number 10

    April 9th, 1917 – A Shock Offensive

    At 5:30 AM, under a cold grey sky, the attack began. Silence broke into chaos as thousands of men surged out of tunnels and trenches. The Germans were caught off guard. Ground was gained quickly – more than expected.

    Vimy Bataillon AssautVimy Bataillon Assaut
    ©Vimy Bataillon Assaut

    A Costly Campaign with Limited Gains

    The battle lasted 39 days. Around 150,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing. Yes, the Allies pushed the front back by nearly 10 kilometres. But the price paid was enormous.

    Monchy Le Preux British Soldiers In 1917THE BATTLE OF ARRAS, APRIL-MAY 1917 (Q 2021) Battle of the Scarpe. After a direct hit on a German ammunition waggon; Monchy-le-Preux, 11th April 1917. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205073172
    ©THE BATTLE OF ARRAS, APRIL-MAY 1917 (Q 2021) Battle of the Scarpe. After a direct hit on a German ammunition waggon; Monchy-le-Preux, 11th April 1917. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205073172|© IWM (Q 2021)

      Despite early success, the offensive slowed. The terrain was tough. German reinforcements arrived. The fighting turned brutal. In the skies, April 1917 became known as “Bloody April” — with massive losses among British aircrews.

      Visiting the Battlefields of Arras Today

      Today, Arras is calm – but its past is never far away. Beneath the streets and across the nearby hills, you can explore preserved sites that bring the story of the battle back to life.

      Wellington Quarry – A Journey Beneath the Front

      The Wellington Quarry is a must-visit. Guided tours take you into the actual tunnels used in 1917. Light, sound, and personal stories recreate the tension of those final hours before the attack. It’s history you can feel.

      Carriere Wellington Interior © Cituation Et EnsembleCarriere Wellington Interior © Cituation Et Ensemble
      ©Carriere Wellington Interior © Cituation Et Ensemble

        Nearby Sites – Vimy Ridge, Neuville-Saint-Vaast, Bapaume

        Canadian Vimy Memorial Olivier DuhamelCanadian Vimy Memorial Olivier Duhamel
        ©Canadian Vimy Memorial Olivier Duhamel|Olivier Duhamel / Lens Tourisme

          Whether you’re tracing family history or following your curiosity, a visit to Arras is both moving and unforgettable.

          Frequently Asked Questions about the Battle of Arras