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The Battle of Passchendaele Begins
The British Commander-in-Chief, Sir Douglas Haig, led the British army as they began their attack on the Belgian coast. The Germans were using this coast as bases for their submarine offensive against British seaborne trade. (Remember the German's unrestricted submarine warfare tactic). Little advancements were made at the beginning. -
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Battle of Passchendaele
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Rain Begins
Rain begins within a few days of the battle starting. This was the worst and heaviest rain in 30 years turning the battle field into a swamp. Thick mud clogged riffles, immobilized tanks, and eventually it became so deep that men and horses drowned in it. -
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Bad Weather on the Grounds
Bad weather prevented the men from fighting. Until weather improved, the men were at a standstill. After about the 20th of August, conditions improved and the battle was able to continue. -
The Battle Resumes
The batle resumes, but with little change in the weather. The armies were at a stand still until weather conditions improved. -
The Battle of Menin Road Ridge
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Battle of Polygon Wood
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Battle of Broodseinde
This and the past two battles established British possesion of the ridge east of Yperes. -
The Canadians Joined
In October of 1917, the Canadian Corps, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie, took its place on the front lines with the British. -
Canadian Assault
The first Canadian Assault was launched by the 3rd and 4th Divisions. After three days of fighting, there was over 2,500 casualties and a gain of about 1,000 meters. -
Canada Attacks Again
On October 30th, 1917, the Canadian and British offensive attack once again. In this one day, there are 2,300 casualties and again only about 1,000 meters are gained. -
Capture of Passchendaele
After little progression over the past few months, the British and Candian forces finally reached what was left of the town of Passchendaele. Haig captured the village and called off the offensive to claim success. -
Results of Passchendaele
After three months of fighting for barely an increase in the Yprese salient, Haig gained success.
Casualties -
Allied - 325,000
Germans - 260,000
