Table of Contents
Why did Passchendaele happen?
The battle took place on the Western Front, from July to November 1917, for control of the ridges south and east of the Belgian city of Ypres in West Flanders, as part of a strategy decided by the Allies at conferences in November 1916 and May 1917.
What was the objective of the battle of Passchendaele?
The objective of the battle was to clear the Germans from the Belgian coast and force a German retreat from the northern areas of the Western Front. Australians featured in many of the Passchendaele offensive battles including, Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde Ridge, Poelcappelle and others.
Why was Passchendaele important to Canada?
Legacy. The Canadian victory at Passchendaele was truly impressive and added to our nation’s growing reputation as having the best offensive fighting force on the Western Front. This status meant that our forces would be at the forefront of the series of advances that eventually won the war for the Allies a year later.
What is the background of Passchendaele?
The assault on Passchendaele was part of a vast Allied offensive launched in mid-1917, which, for New Zealanders, started with the Battle for Messines. The failed attempt to capture the town of Passchendaele saw more New Zealanders killed in one day than in any other military campaign since 1840.
Why did Canada’s 100 Days happen?
But the Canadian Corps’ significant contributions along the Western Front generated the name “Canada’s Hundred Days.” During this time, Canadian and allied forces pushed the German Army from Amiens, France, east to Mons, Belgium, in a series of battles — a drive that ended in German surrender and the end of the war.
How many died in Passchendaele?
275,000 casualties
The British lost an estimated 275,000 casualties at Passchendaele to the German’s 220,000, making it one of the war’s most costly battles of attrition.
What weapons were used in Passchendaele?
During the Battle of Passchendaele, the German machine guns were the key defensive weapon, in a deadly combination with bunkers, barbed wire, and positions located higher than those of the attackers. A number of different kinds of hand grenades were developed during the Great War.
How many Canadians died 100 days Canada?
Canada’s war was over. The battles of the Hundred Days had resulted in 45,835 killed, wounded or taken prisoner, almost one-fifth of the overall toll of 68,656 dead and 176,380 wounded. In all, 51,748 men were killed in action and 7,796 died of wounds or injury.
How many died in one day at Passchendaele?
The toll was horrendous: 843 New Zealand soldiers were either dead or lying mortally wounded between the front lines. On 18 October, Canadian troops relieved II ANZAC Corps. In a series of well-prepared but costly attacks in atrocious conditions, they finally occupied the ruins of Passchendaele village on 6 November.
How many died at Passchendaele?
The armies under British command suffered some 275,000 casualties at Passchendaele, a figure that makes a mockery of Haig’s pledge that he would not commit the country to “heavy losses.” Among these were 38,000 Australians, 5,300 New Zealanders, and more than 15,600 Canadians; this final figure was almost exactly the …
How many people died in Canada’s 100 days?
Who led Canada’s 100 days?
General Sir Arthur Currie
The partially completed canal’s earthworks made it a tough position to attack, but Canadian Corps commander Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie came up with a daring plan. His men, along with a British division, would cross a 2,500 metre-wide dry section of the canal.
What was the Battle of Passchendaele known for?
The Battle of Passchendaele, fought July 1917, is sometimes called the Third Battle of Ypres. For the soldiers who fought at Passchendaele, it was known as the ‘Battle of Mud’. Few battles encapsulate World War One better than the Battle of Passchendaele. The attack at Passchendaele was Sir Douglas Haig’s attempt to break through Flanders.
Why did Canada not go to Passchendaele?
Please try again later. The Canadians didn’t want to go to Passchendaele. They had been to Belgium’s Ypres Salient before, and they knew the near impossible task that lay ahead. It was 1917. The British under General Sir Douglas Haig had been slogging through an offensive in the area since the summer.
Why was the German morale low at Passchendaele?
He believed, incorrectly as it turned out, that the morale of the German army was very low – especially after the success of the Allies at the Battle of Messines. He believed that the Allies could tap into this lack of morale and roll through Flanders without too much trouble.
Why did Haig want to attack Passchendaele Ridge?
· The failure in Aisne cause the French army mutinies and meant that Haig was allowed to make an attack on Belgium. It was hoped that an attack in Belgium would relieve the pressure on the French. · Haig wanted the high ground of Passchendaele ridge.