CHC2D

A picture of soldiers going Allied governments wanted to encourage men to enlist for war. They said the war would be safe, hardly any fighting, a good lark and over by Christmas. They used advertising posters to encourage this idea A picture of soldiers going ‘Over the Top’

The reality of ‘going over the top’ was very different

Soldiers were expected to carry all of their equipment with them at all times. They were supposed to keep it clean and in good condition – they were members of the British Army after all.

How the uniform and equipment changed after just three weeks in the trenches…

Canadian Uniforms & Ross Rifle

Posters always showed men ready and willing to fight. They never showed the boredom of the trenches or actual fighting taking place. Why do you think the government showed no fighting?

No smiling and relaxed faces… No clean uniforms… Their equipment is scattered everywhere… Boredom and fatigue are obvious…

Mass Devastation

Freezing Winters

The soldiers had very little decent food, and what food they had was often attacked by rats. These rats were the size of small rabbits and badgers because they had fed on the decomposing bodies of dead soldiers.

Trench Foot

Ypres

Battle of Ypres (1915) Canada’s first taste of trench warfare Canada was defending Ypres with the French. They retreated when the Germans used chlorine gas against them – first poison gas attack in history 6000 Canadians loss their lives John McCrae wrote “In Flanders Fields” about the battle of Ypres

The Battle of the Somme (July, 1916) “Bloodbath” attempt to end trench warfare with a massive attack on German forces attack was unsuccessful – 20,000 Canadian soldiers lost their lives Newfoundland Regiment suffered 90% casualties (only 68 of 700 survived)

Vimy

Vimy

Vimy Ridge (April, 1917) Canadians attack Germans 3 weeks of bombing preceded the attack to weaken the German defences Attack was well planned and practiced 3000 Canadians killed and 7000 injured Canadian forces were successful in capturing Vimy Ridge Key moment in Canadian independence and creation of Canadian identity British no longer in command Canadian forces

Passchendaele

Passchendaele

The Battle of Passchendaele (October, 1917) - Allied forces get bogged down in muddy conditions - Canadians asked to attack Germans – could not move in mud - General Currie (CAN) initially refused but was overruled - Canadians ordered to attack. Took the town and held it until reinforcements arrived - Only one out of every 5 Canadians survived - 16 000 Canadians died to take on 7km of land http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4_mdRZL-4M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4_mdRZL-4M&feature=related