On 9 May 1915, after six days of shelling, the French launched an attack. They broke through the German line but were unable to capitalize on their success. After two weeks of savage fighting, resulting in the loss of 102,000 men, Vimy Ridge remained in German hands. The villages of Carency and Ablain, retaken at the same time as Lorette Spur, stood in ruins. And so did Saint Nazarius's Church.

Source :Remembrance trails