Ypres (2nd battle, April 22 1915) Chlorine gas used First major battle Canadians fought in 6000 Canadians killed here and elsewhere in Flanders

Somme offensive (July 1916) Massive attack uses outdated techniques Didn’t succeed because of machine guns, snipers, artillery that could shell the open no-man’s land. Horrific losses: on the first day of fighting 20,000 British died. 85% of Royal Newfoundland regiment (over 700 men and officers) killed in half an hour. Over by November: about half a million dead on either side (1 mil total). Almost 24000 Canadians killed.

“The Battle of the Somme” The battle was one of the first that had numerous film cameras in place to capture footage of the war. It was used by the British to put together a propaganda film, called “The Battle of the Somme”. This film was one of the first to show the realities of war to a mass audience. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Tv5gBa9DQs&feature=related

Vimy Ridge (April 9 1917) Strategically important ridge French had tried to take it 3 times before first time that all four divisions of the CEF participated in battle together, Within three days of starting the attack, Canadians capture all important parts. Canadians had taken more ground, prisoners and artillery than any previous British offensive of the whole war.

Many Canadians were extremely proud of their soldier’s accomplishments. Source of National Pride.

Vimy Continued success due to meticulous planning, powerful artillery support, and extensive training High cost- 3500 dead, 7000 wounded- but significantly fewer then other offensives because of planning, strategy and training. Great source of pride for Canadians: “Every American will feel a thrill of admiration and a touch of honest envy at the achievements of the Canadian troops.” -New York Tribune

Vimy Today

Ypres (3rd battle “Passchendaele”1917) First Canadian commander of Canadian troops: General Arthur Currie. Ordered by General Haig to take strategically unimportant Passchendaele ridge. Horrible place to fight: craters and mud from previous shellings and attacks. 15000 Canadians dead- nearly half a million soldiers from both sides dead. 9 Canadians were awarded the highest military honor: the Victoria Cross

BEFORE AFTER

Submarine Warfare Germany used Submarines in an effort to stop supplies reaching England Effective, but not popular. When Germany decided that it would attack all ships approaching Britain-Unrestricted Sub. Warfare- USA was not impressed.

Once equipped with torpedoes, U-boats were extremely effective at sinking Allied shipping.

Lusitania Carried passenger and supplies Was sunk by German U-Boat in May 1915, killing 1,198 of the 1,959 people aboard some of whom were American. Part of the reason America entered the war two years later.

Canada’s Navy Prior to the war only two warships, one for each coast. As the war went on, more ships were built. Biggest contribution was the Merchant Marine: civilian ships used to transport supplies for wartime effort.

Billy Bishop and the War in the Sky Was an “ace” pilot: someone who had shot down at least five other planes. By the end of the war he had taken down 72 planes. Became a well known icon Used for fundraising and morale boosting later in the war.