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Canada at War: The 2 nd Battle of Ypres

Canada at War: The 2 nd Battle of Ypres. The 2 nd Battle of Ypres. Ypres was a major road and rail junction – many roads and rail lines met at Ypres Ypres is part of the “Ypres Salient” – a bulge sticking into the German lines

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Canada at War: The 2 nd Battle of Ypres

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  1. Canada at War:The 2nd Battle of Ypres

  2. The 2nd Battle of Ypres • Ypres was a major road and rail junction – many roads and rail lines met at Ypres • Ypres is part of the “Ypres Salient” – a bulge sticking into the German lines • The Germans decided tocut out the salientand move southinto France, headfor Paris

  3. The 2nd Battle of Ypres - Canada’s first battle as a large force (1st Canadian Division) - Germans used CHLORINE GAS as a weapon for the first time - A yellow-green cloud of death was sent floating across the battlefield from the German lines

  4. The 2nd Battle of Ypres - Chlorine is used as a disinfectant – it killsliving things - In battle, the gas killed everything in its path: men, animals, horses and birds - The gas burns the eyes, nose & throat, and also destroys thelungs. Men drowned in their own bodies as their lungs werebroken down by the chlorine and their lungs filled with fluid - French Colonial troops were holding the line next to the Canadian troops and were the first to be hit by the gas – many died where they stood, some ran – a large gap opened in theallied line

  5. The 2nd Battle of Ypres - Canadian troops, never in battle before & heavily outnumbered, left the cover of their trenches (the gas settled in low spots), and moved into the German flank (side), which forced the Germans to pause and turn to deal with the Canadians

  6. The 2nd Battle of Ypres - A well educated Canadian soldier recognized the smell of the chlorine gas and realized that by urinating on a piece of clothand wearing it over their mouth & nose, the chlorine would be neutralized by the ammonia in the urine - After days of heavy fighting, the Canadians held up the German offensivelong enough for reinforcements to arrive and stop the attack

  7. The 2nd Battle of Ypres - There were over 6000 Canadian casualties in the 2nd Battle of Ypres - 1 in 5 men were killed, wounded or missing (that’s 20%) - This is the beginning of Canadians gaining a reputation as brave and hard fighting troops – this would continue to grow during the war, with Canada often being the “tip of the British Spear”, and eventually referred to as “Britain’s Best” by the Germans - The Ypres Salient will be a region of repeated battles throughout the war

  8. The 2nd Battle of Ypres - This part of Belgium is also known as Flanders - During the battle a doctor from Guelph, Ontarionamed John McCrea was so moved by the losses he witnessed, including one of his best friends being blown to pieces, that he would write a very famous poem – In Flanders Fields

  9. The 2nd Battle of Ypres In Flanders Fields John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields.

  10. The 2nd Battle of Ypres - The MENIN GATE is an old part of the city walls that once surrounded Ypres. Every Day at sunset there is a memorial service – traffic is stopped, people pause, the Last Post is played and the dead are honoured for their sacrifice

  11. The 2nd Battle of Ypres Tyne Cot Cemetery

  12. The 2nd Battle of Ypres St. Julien Cemetery, Belgium, one of the many WW1 cemeteries in the area

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