How HC Connects to WW1

Have you heard about the Vimy oak saplings that were planted in our Havergal ravine? This year, we received six original oak saplings from Vimy Oaks Farm. So where did this journey start? With the battle of Vimy Ridge. Students who have taken Grade 10 History will know the Battle of Vimy Ridge was a true defining moment for Canada. A total of 3,598 Canadian soldiers were killed, alongside the 7,000 injured. Canadians from all different parts of the country came together to win this battle by defeating the Germans.

The battle of Vimy Ridge took place in an oak forest in the northern part of France called Vimy. The oak trees that grew in the forest had taken hundreds of years to mature and thrive. However, everything that grew in the forest was destroyed in the battle, including the trees and most of the vegetation. The environment and natural ecosystems were either destroyed or left in poor condition. During the battle, millions of artillery shells were fired by the ridge, wrecking anything in the way, including the oak trees. Destruction of the environment occured not only in the Battle of Vimy Ridge but all of the battles fought during WWI.

So, how did these oak trees get to the Havergal ravine? It all started with Leslie MIller, a Canadian soldier. He gathered a cluster of acorns from the trees during the battle before the forests were completely destroyed. Leslie sent the acorns in an envelope back to his family who lived in Scarborough. After the war, Leslie planted these oaks on their family property and they have grown into beautiful, tall oaks. Today the Vimy Oaks Farm, located in Scarborough, is filled with many saplings of Vimy oaks. Through genetic testing of the trees from Scarborough, researchers have confirmed they are the original oaks from Vimy. Experts noticed that the surrounding forests of Vimy have similar genes to the Vimy oaks grown in Canada.

This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. In memory of the soldiers and Canada’s participation in the war, The Vimy Foundation has decided to plant 100 original oaks from Vimy Oaks Farm. The Vimy Foundation will recognize the Canadians who participated during this battle by planting the 100 original oaks at the battle site of Vimy Ridge. Many Canadian volunteers traveled to Vimy, France to plant these Canadian “Vimy Oaks” to rebuild the forest to the way it was before the war. One hundred years ago, the Vimy Ridge forest was destroyed. One hundred years later, the forest is being replanted. In another 100 years, the forest will be restored. While memorials like statues are important, the addition of the living trees adds something special to the memorial of those who died in battle.

As a community, we are thankful to have also received a couple of original oaks from the farm. The trees are valuable to our community as they are a symbol of the courageous soldiers who fought during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a defining moment for Canadians. The saplings were planted on our school grounds by our arborist, Jose Lazos. To spot these trees on our school grounds, look for the protective, barbed wiring around them. One of them is located next to the Radcliff field, another is located by the bridge from the Upper School to the Junior School, and the rest are planted in our ravine. Havergal is known to many for our nature and large campus. We have a large collection of trees and what an honor it is to include the Vimy oaks on our school grounds.

Behind the Ivy HCDecember 4, 2018