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The 2nd Battle of Ypres

April 22 – May 25 1915. The 2nd Battle of Ypres. 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

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The 2nd Battle of Ypres

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  1. April 22 – May 25 1915 The 2nd Battle of Ypres

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. First Gas Attack • April 22 - 160 tons of Chlorine gas released by Germans • Aimed at the French • French panicked and fled leaving 4 mile gap in the allied trenches • Germans were surprised by the success and didn’t take full advantage of their success

  5. Urine in the Handkerchief • Canadian medical officer recognized the gas • Told soldiers to urinate on their handkerchief and hold it to their mouth • Canadians and British held the line

  6. Second Gas Attack • Germans launch 2nd gas attack on April 24th aimed at Canadians • Canadians lose forward trenches, but hold off the attack

  7. 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

  8. Importance to Canada • First major battle for the Canadians • Proved their combat ability • Began to earn positive reputation among allied leaders • Arthur 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)

  9. 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.

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