Gas On The Western Front - Baptism of Fire for Canada I THE GREAT WAR Week 39

Summary

During the week of April 17-24, 1915, World War I escalated with the Second Battle of Ypres, where the Germans unleashed the first large-scale poison gas attack, resulting in devastating casualties. Canadian troops displayed exceptional bravery during fierce fighting at Hill 60 and Kitchener’s Wood, successfully counter-attacking despite horrific conditions. The geopolitical landscape shifted with Italy's potential involvement looming, while the Ottoman Empire faced the Armenian deportations and ongoing conflicts. This period underscored the war's complexity and the sacrifices made by soldiers from various nations amid unprecedented horrors.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The war continues to escalate with millions of casualties, marking new fronts and tactics being introduced.
• ✈️ The war in the air is intensifying, with both sides utilizing Zeppelin and airplane bombings.
• ⚔️ The Battle of Hill 60 marks a significant underground conflict where the British first used mines to attack German positions.
• 💨 The Germans conducted the first large-scale successful poison gas attack at the Second Battle of Ypres, causing severe casualties among French troops.
• 😷 Chlorine gas, released by the Germans, inflicted devastating damage, resulting in thousands of asphyxiation and lung injuries.
• 🇨🇦 Canadian troops displayed exceptional bravery in counter-attacks despite heavy casualties, particularly at Kitchener’s Wood.
• ⏳ The use of makeshift respirators by Canadian soldiers highlights the desperate measures taken to cope with gas attacks.
• 📉 Although the Germans had initial success, they failed to capitalize on their victories due to a lack of reserves and preparation.
• 🇮🇹 Italy's potential entry into the war creates strategic concerns for both the Austro-Hungarian and German forces.
• 🌍 Troops from various nations, including those from the British Empire, are actively engaged across different fronts, illustrating the global nature of the conflict.

Q & A

What significant development in warfare occurred at the Battle of Hill 60?

The Battle of Hill 60 marked the first time the British Army used mines beneath enemy positions to destroy their defenses, resulting in the capture of the hill.

How did the Germans first effectively use poison gas in the war?

On April 22, 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres, the Germans released 168 tons of chlorine gas over a front nearly 7 km wide, resulting in devastating casualties among French troops.

What was the impact of the chlorine gas on the French colonial troops?

The chlorine gas caused approximately 6,000 casualties among French troops, leading to deaths from asphyxiation and severe tissue damage, including blindness.

How did Canadian troops respond to the German gas attacks at Kitchener’s Wood?

Canadian troops used makeshift respirators and managed to conduct a counter-attack, ultimately driving the Germans from their positions, although they suffered high casualties.

What challenges did the Germans face during their poison gas attacks?

The Germans encountered issues with wind dispersing the gas back toward their own lines, and the effectiveness of gas decreased as soldiers began using makeshift respirators.

What strategic concerns did Austro-Hungarian army Chief of Staff Conrad von Hotzendorf have regarding Italy?

Conrad was worried that Italy might join the Allies and demanded significant territorial concessions to remain neutral, fearing it would divert troops needed against the Russians.

What was the role of Turkish forces in the siege of Van?

Turkish forces surrounded and besieged the city of Van, which contained 1,300 armed Armenian fighters and 30,000 civilians, while also deporting tens of thousands of Armenians from other regions.

How were troops from the British Empire involved in the conflict this week?

Troops from various parts of the British Empire, including British and Indian forces, were mobilized during the Second Battle of Ypres and other theaters of the war, such as Gallipoli.

What was the overall state of the war by the end of this week?

By the end of the week, the war had expanded significantly with the involvement of troops from multiple nations, notable advancements in aerial and underground warfare, and the effective use of poison gas.

What tragic observation does the narrator make about the soldiers in the war?

The narrator notes that the bravest soldiers, those with exceptional courage, often became the first to die in large numbers, highlighting the grim reality of warfare during this period.