The Great War — Battle of Ypres

Summary

In the spring of 1915, the Canadian 1st Division faced the horrors of chemical warfare during the battle at Ypres Salient. On April 22nd, German forces unleashed chlorine gas, causing panic among the soldiers. The Canadians fought valiantly to establish a defensive line, notably at Kitchener's Wood, where they suffered heavy casualties but managed to repel the advance momentarily. Despite their bravery, they ultimately endured over 6,000 casualties. This brutal experience served as a catalyst for Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to compose the iconic poem "In Flanders Fields," which is now recited in Canada every Remembrance Day.

Takeaways

• ⚔️ The Canadians arrived in the Ypres Salient in spring 1915, witnessing the devastation of war firsthand.
• 💨 On April 22, 1915, the German army used chlorine gas for the first time, leading to chaos among soldiers in the trenches.
• 😱 The gas attack caused panic as Canadian and French troops struggled to cope with the lethal chemical.
• 🏃‍♂️ The Canadian troops quickly organized to form a new defensive line to counter the German infantry advance.
• 🔫 A notable moment occurred at Kitchener's Wood, where the Canadian 16th and 10th battalions launched a bayonet charge.
• 💔 The charge resulted in heavy casualties, with nearly two-thirds of the 1,800 attacking troops killed or wounded.
• 🌳 Despite the losses, the Canadians managed to reach Kitchener's Wood and temporarily halt the German advance.
• 🌬️ On April 24, the Germans launched a second gas attack specifically targeting Canadian positions.
• 🧻 Canadian soldiers improvised by using urine-soaked cloths as a makeshift protection against the gas.
• 📜 The horrific experience of the battle led Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the famous poem 'In Flanders Fields,' which is read on Remembrance Day in Canada.

Q & A

What was the condition of the Ypres Salient when the Canadians arrived in spring 1915?

By the time the Canadians arrived, the devastation from the war was evident, showcasing the chaos and destruction experienced in the area.

What tactic did the German army use on April 22, 1915?

The German army released a cloud of chlorine gas, taking advantage of favorable wind conditions to target French trenches.

How did the Canadian soldiers respond to the gas attack?

The Canadian soldiers improvised by using urine-soaked cloths to breathe through as a form of limited protection against the gas.

What was the immediate impact of the chlorine gas on the soldiers?

The gas caused panic among the soldiers, leading to chaos as many inhaled the lethal chemical.

What significant action did the 16th and 10th battalions take during the battle?

They made a full bayonet charge across more than 200 meters of open territory at Kitchener's Wood.

What were the casualties suffered by the Canadians after the initial gas attack?

The Canadians suffered more than 6,000 casualties during the fighting that followed the gas attacks.

How did the Canadians manage to halt the German advance, even temporarily?

Despite heavy losses, the Canadians were able to reach Kitchener's Wood, which helped blunt the German advance for a brief period.

What literary work did Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae write following the gas attack?

John McCrae wrote the poem 'In Flanders Fields' after witnessing the horrors of the battle.

Why is 'In Flanders Fields' significant in Canadian history?

'In Flanders Fields' is read across Canada on every Remembrance Day, symbolizing the sacrifices made by soldiers during the war.

What can be inferred about the Canadians' performance in the face of the gas attacks?

Despite the devastating attacks and significant casualties, the Canadians demonstrated resilience and the ability to hold their own against the German forces.