The Great War — Battle of Passchendaele

Summary

In 1917, Canadian forces were reluctant to return to Belgium's Ypres Salient for the Third Battle of Ypres, having previously endured the harsh conditions. British forces under General Haig had struggled for months to capture Passchendaele Ridge. As rain turned the battlefield into a muddy wasteland, the Canadians took over in late October. Under General Currie's leadership, they launched a series of set-piece attacks. Despite immense hardship and heavy losses, they captured the ridge. However, most of the territory was recaptured by the Germans in 1918, emphasizing the battle's tragic futility.

Takeaways

• 🇨🇦 The Canadians were hesitant to go to Passchendaele due to their past experiences in Belgium's Ypres Salient.
• 🗓️ The year was 1917, and the British under General Sir Douglas Haig had been engaged in an offensive since the summer.
• ⚔️ The Third Battle of Ypres officially began on July 31st, but heavy German counterattacks limited British success in August.
• 🇦🇺 The British, Australians, and New Zealanders used a series of short rapid attacks in September and October to repel German forces.
• 🌧️ Heavy rains in October transformed the battlefield into a muddy quagmire, making movement and logistics nearly impossible.
• 🎯 The Canadians were tasked with capturing Passchendaele ridge, the only high ground in the region, at the end of October.
• 🗺️ General Arthur Currie planned four set-piece attacks over two weeks to capture the ridge.
• 🔫 The 3rd and 4th Canadian divisions launched the initial assault, with the 1st and 2nd divisions continuing the offensive.
• 🥇 The Canadians advanced through difficult terrain, clearing German pillboxes and strongpoints despite harsh conditions.
• 💔 Although the Canadians captured Passchendaele, the human cost was extremely high, and the territory was later recaptured by Germans in 1918.

Q & A

Why were the Canadians reluctant to go to Passchendaele?

The Canadians were reluctant to go to Passchendaele because they had previously experienced the harsh conditions in Belgium's Ypres Salient and were aware of the near-impossible task that awaited them.

When did the British launch the Third Battle of Ypres?

The British officially launched the Third Battle of Ypres on July 31, 1917.

What role did weather play in the battle?

Heavy rains in October turned the battlefield into a quagmire of mud and water, making movement and logistics extremely difficult, with mud consuming both men and materials.

What strategy did the British and their allies use during September and October?

The British, Australians, and New Zealanders used a series of short, rapid attacks to counter German resistance and slowly advance, though they struggled to capture their objective.

Why was capturing Passchendaele ridge important?

Passchendaele ridge was the only high ground in the region, making it a strategically important objective for controlling the area.

What preparations did the Canadians make before launching their attack?

The Canadians spent two weeks building the necessary infrastructure for the attack, including miles of wooden duck boards to transport men and material across the swampy ground.

What was General Arthur Currie's approach to the battle?

General Arthur Currie devised a series of four set-piece attacks over two weeks, which involved a coordinated effort by the 3rd and 4th Canadian divisions to open the assault, followed by the 1st and 2nd divisions to carry it through.

How did the nature of the battle change as the Canadians advanced?

As the Canadians advanced through the muddy battlefield, the battle devolved into smaller actions, with soldiers having to clear individual German pillboxes and machine gun strongpoints.

What was the outcome of the Canadian efforts at Passchendaele?

The Canadians succeeded in capturing Passchendaele, bringing an end to one of the most controversial battles of the war, but at a very high human cost.

Why is the battle of Passchendaele often seen as futile?

The battle is seen as futile because, despite the heavy casualties, nearly all of the territory the Canadians captured in 1917 was retaken by the Germans during their spring offensive in 1918.