Passchendale (October-November 1917)

Overview Also known as the Third Battle of Ypres. Begins July 31, 1917 General Haig’s objective was to achieve a breakthrough that would lead to the capture of German submarine bases on the coast of Belgium. British and Australian troops had fought there for more than three months before the Canadians were sent in. They had suffered 100,000 casualties.

Canadian Commander Arthur Currie was very reluctant to send Canadian soldiers into the battle. After inspecting the muddy battlefield and other conditions, Currie estimated that it would cost as many as 16,000 Canadian lives. His objections were declined by General Haig, but did buy enough time to allow the Canadian soldiers to prepare for the battle

The battlefield at Passchendale was now a muddy bog. The battlefield at Passchendale was now a muddy bog. It was in almost the same location as the Second Battle of Ypres had been. It was in almost the same location as the Second Battle of Ypres had been. The wreckage of war was all around: The wreckage of war was all around: Guns, tanks, and equipment were sticking out the mud everywhere Guns, tanks, and equipment were sticking out the mud everywhere The air was filled with the stench of death; thousands of unburied men, horses, and mules were rotting in the mud. The air was filled with the stench of death; thousands of unburied men, horses, and mules were rotting in the mud. The trenches were now little more than water-filled shell holes, which men crouched in for some protection. The trenches were now little more than water-filled shell holes, which men crouched in for some protection.

The Battle - The Canadians attempted to rebuild roads, construct gun platforms, improve drainage, and bring forth supplies. - The German aircraft bombed the area constantly, destroying the work the Canadians had done.

- Moving up to the front was a nightmare for the troops. - If a man fell off the wooden duckboards into the mud, he risked drowning in the ooze under the weight of his equipment. - The wounded had very little chance of surviving.

October 26 -Canadians advance with the cover of artillery fire. -The artillery barrage was limited because only guns on newly constructed platforms could be fired. - The offensive continued for 48 hours, as Canadians fought in a sea of mud. -It was an impossible objective. -2,481 men are lost.

- Canadians would continue to fight at Passchendaele until November 14, Very little ground was won, while Canada suffered 15,654 casualties. - Currie had been proven right. - Canadians show that they could do the job they are asked to do, even in the worst conditions. - Nine Canadians win the Victoria Cross for their bravery during this battle.

-When the battle was over, only two square miles of mud had been won for the Allies. - The cost was 500,000 men. - The German’s lost about 270,000 men - To this day, every evening at sunset the dead are remembered in a special ceremony at the Menin Gate, on the east side of Ypres, near Flander’s Field.

Canada’s Hundred Days August 4-November 11, 1918

-In the final days of the war static trench warfare was no longer used. -The Allie’s moved into an offensive mode, and used fast-paced open warfare. -The Canadians and the Australians spearhead this drive.

Amiens (August 1918): -Tanks were a huge part of this offensive. (420 used) - 1,000 guns and 100,000 tons of ammunition assembled. - The Canadians were the center of the attack. -The battle lasted for a week, and 9,074 Canadians were killed -The Allies gained 14 miles. -Corps are withdrawn, and move north to Arras.

Arras (August-October 1918): -Lots of artillery support, but few tanks and no time for preparations. - Canada again shows it’s military strength, courageously battling the German strong points, and driving them back. - In the first three days of fighting the First and Fourth Divisions lost 5,622 men. -By October 17 the Allies were in pursuit of the fleeing German armies.

Valenciennes to Mons (Oct-Nov 11, 1918): -Germans put together a final defense line at the city of Valenciennes. - Canadians help lead the charge to drive them back to Mons. (The sight of the first engagment between the British and the Germans in 1914). - They face snipers and machine guns, hidden in the coalfields. -Armistice comes into effect on November 11, 1918, at 11am.

-The last Canadian killed was shot by a sniper at 10:55am- five minutes before the end of the war was official.

- 619,636 Canadian men and women had served in the war: - 66,655 died - 172,950 were wounded.