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The Major Battles of WWI

The Major Battles of WWI. The Battles of Ypres. The Battle of Ypres , 1915. When: April, 1915 Where: Ypres, Belgium

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The Major Battles of WWI

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  1. The Major Battles of WWI

  2. The Battles of Ypres

  3. The Battle of Ypres, 1915 • When: April, 1915 • Where: Ypres, Belgium • Background/Outcome: French and Canadian troops were defending Ypres when the Germans used chlorine gas against them. The French and Canadian troops were forced to retreat and over 6,000 Canadians lost their lives.

  4. Significance: • The Battle of Ypres was the first taste of trench warfare for Canadian troops. This was the first battle in which poison gas was used. Canadians suffered terrible losses.

  5. The Battle of the Somme

  6. The Battle of the Somme, 1916 • When: July, 1916 • Where: Somme, France • Background/Outcome: Allied commanders tried to end trench warfare with a large attack on the German trenches at the Somme. The Germans were not driven back and over 20,000 Canadian soldiers were killed.

  7. Significance: Casualties for both sides reached 1.25 million. When the battle ended five months after it began, only a few miles of land had been gained. The Newfoundland Regiment suffered 90% casualties. 23 Canadian men were executed because they would or could not return to the front.

  8. Vimy Ridge

  9. Vimy Ridge, 1917 • When: April, 1917 • Where: Vimy Ridge (between France and Belgium) • Background/Outcome: The ridge had fallen to German soldiers in 1914. Canadian troops tried to regain the ridge after British and French troops had failed to effect a breakthrough. The Canadians were successful, although 3,000 Canadians were killed and 7,000 were injured.

  10. Significance: • Vimy Ridge was the first time that Canadian units fought together as one, and this victory became a symbol of Canada’s independence. As a result of the victory, Canadian troops also became recognized as some of the best troops on the Western Front.

  11. Passchendaele

  12. Passchendaele, 1917 • When: October, 1917 • Where: Passchendaele, Belgium • Background/Outcome: Canadian troops were asked to attack the Germans. Canadians gained 7km of land and held their position until reinforcements arrived. However, the Germans soon gained back their lost land.

  13. Significance: • The objection of the Canadian Commander, General Arthur Currie was overruled and his troops were forced into battle. Many Canadian soldiers lost their lives: only one in five survived. In the end, the battle proved futile as the Germans soon won back their land.

  14. Major Battles - what were they known for? • Ypres - Chemical Warfare • Somme - High Casualties and Tanks • VimyRidge - A Victory for Canada • Passchendaele - Mud

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