 2500 Canadian women joined medical and field ambulance corps during the war; some served as nurses during the war.  Canadian nurses were called “ Bluebirds ” after the colour of their uniform.  Nurses worked in military hospitals in the battle zones and in hospitals in Britain.  Many were killed or injured by artillery fire, bombs or poison gas.

 When – April – May 1915  Where – Ypres, Belgium (Flanders District)  What – French and Canadian troops were defending Ypres and retreated when the Germans used Chlorine gas.

 Chlorine gas burned eyes, throats, and destroyed lungs.  Despite having only clothes wetted with water or urine tied over their mouths as a defense against the lung-searing gas, the Canadian infantrymen stood their ground.  Outcome – French and Canadian troops were forced to retreat with over 6,000 Canadians were killed, wounded or captured as prisoners of war.

 Significance, Impact, Consequences:  Canada’s first taste of war and trench warfare.  First time poison gas was used.  Canadians suffered terrible losses.  Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote the world famous poem “In Flanders Field” after the battle of Ypres.

 Written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae after the Battle of Ypres, in memory of a friend who was killed.  The poppies referred to in the poem grew in abundance in Flanders where dead soldiers were buried.  The poppies have become a symbol of Remembrance Day.

John McCrae

In Flanders Field – Written on May 3, 1915

In Flanders Field

Ypres – Fall 1917 – A town destroyed by 3 years of fighting

Ruins of Ypres

German barrage fire - Ypres

 When – July – November, 1916  Where – Somme, France  What – Allied forces under General Douglas Haig tried to end trench warfare with a large attack on the German trenches at the Somme.

 Wave upon wave of allied troops marching across open fields into “no man’s land were killed by German machine guns.  58,000 British troops were killed, wounded or went missing on the first day of battle.  Outcome – The Germans were not driven back and over 20,000 Canadians were killed.

 Significance, Impact, Consequences:  First time tanks were used.  1.25 million casualties on both sides.  Newfoundland Regiment suffered 85% casualties (700 men).

Douglas Haig

Explosion at Hawthorne Ridge – German Stronghold

Demolished German Trench

Stretch bearers carrying off wounded soldiers

Troops marching through “No Man’s Land” - Somme

Somme after artillery bombs

Wounded soldier being carried through a trench

British Machine Gun Team

War time cemetery - Somme

 When – April, 1917  Where – Vimy Ridge (Between France and Belgium)  What – Vimy Ridge had fallen to Germany in October, Canadian troops tried to regain the ridge which was important because it was a strong fortress that was easy to defend and dangerous to attack.

 In April 1917, Canadian troops attacked the Germans under the leadership of Julian Byng.  Outcome – Canadians were successful but with heavy losses; 3,000 Canadians were killed and 7,000 were injured.

 Significance, Impact, Consequences:  Capture of Vimy Ridge was the first time in history that Canadian fought together as one, independent of British forces.  This victory became a symbol of Canada’s autonomy ( independence).  Historian Pierre Berton captured the events at Vimy Ridge as follows: ``They said it couldn`t be done and we did.``

Pack horses carrying ammunition – Vimy Ridge

Tent under water – Vimy Ridge

Canadian soldiers make their way down a muddy road – Vimy Ridge

Canadian soldiers playing cards – Vimy Ridge

Artillery being fired at night –Vimy Ridge

A wounded German soldier – Vimy Ridge

Happy Canadian Soldiers – Vimy Ridge

Captured German Soldiers

Canadian War Memorial – Vimy Ridge; Unveiled in 1936

Vimy Memorial Names

 When – October, 1917  Where – Passchendale, Belgium  What – Canadian troops were asked to attack the Germans.  Outcome – Canadians gained only 7 km of land with 16,000 Canadian casualties.

 Significance, Impact,Consequences:  One in five Canadians died.  Battle of Attrition with an allied victory.

No Man’s Land - Passchendaele

Aerial view of the village of Passchendaele before and after the battle.

Poor weather conditions at Passchendaele

Wounded Canadian Soldier - Passchendaele

Sandbagged Dugout - Passchendaele

Canadian Passchendaele War Memorial