The 2nd Battle of Ypres
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Transcript of The 2nd Battle of Ypres
The 2nd Battle of YpresApril 22 – May 25 1915
Last Section of Belgium Germans had taken
all of Belgium except for 5 mile region around Ypres
Turned to poisonous gas to try and take Ypres
French, British and Canadians formed the opposition
Chlorine Gas The gas used was
Chlorine Aimed at the
respiratory system Caused rapid
buildup of fluid in the lungs
Victim drowned from the fluid build up in their lungs
First Gas Attack
April 22 - 160 tons of Chlorine gas released by Germans
Aimed at the FrenchFrench panicked and fled leaving
4 mile gap in the allied trenchesGermans were surprised by the
success and didn’t take full advantage of their success
Urine in the HandkerchiefCanadian medical officer recognized the gas
Told soldiers to urinate on their handkerchief and hold it to their mouth
Canadians and British held the line
Second Gas Attack
Germans launch 2nd gas attack on April 24th aimed at Canadians
Canadians lose forward trenches, but hold off the attack
Arthur Currie After gas attack and
hole in allied line Threw away tactical
book for counter attack Allowed allies to create
a stable defensive line Denied Germans of
breakthrough they sought
Demonstrated calm under intense circumstances
Importance to Canada
First major battle for the CanadiansProved their combat abilityBegan to earn positive reputation among
allied leadersArthur Currie emerges as a Canadian
leader John McCrae writes in Flanders Field
(wrote it because friend’s funeral after dying in Ypres– parts of which used at homefront in propoganda)
In Flanders Fields…In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lieIn Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.