The WWI Experience Canada in the Trenches

Canada’s Response Young men signed up in droves to become “heroes” when the great war was declared. Canadian’s as a whole had the idea that war was a romantic and exciting experience. Boys as young as 14 lied about their age and signed up to go overseas

“Ready, Aye Ready!” Canadian’s rallied around that battle call, though many French- Canadians were more hesitant to fight a British war.

White Feather Campaign Men that did not sign up immediately were shamed by members of the community. Women would hand out white feathers to boys of military age that stayed at home. The feather was a sign of weakness and dishonor.

The soldiers were suited up in gear almost identical to the British army. It would soon be discovered that the quality of uniforms was sorely lacking. The boots were often compared to cardboard when soaked with mud.

The source of initial Canadian pride was the infamous Ross Rifle. This Canadian creation was supposed to rival the British Lee-Enfield. However, once on the battlegrounds the rifle would jam with mud and water and was better used as a club than a gun.

Sir Charles Ross

Unlike previous wars, WWI was fought in the trenches. Both sides would dig into the ground for shelter and attack by gunfire from there. When an assault occurred, the troops would “go over the top” and run across the area between both sides’ trenches or “no man’s land” Conditions in the War

The spaces between the enemies’ trenches were always filled with sharp barbed wire, explosives, and mud. The usual rotation was three days at the front (in the trenches), three days back at camp, and three days off. This was the official schedule, however men ended up in the trenches for weeks at a time

Both back in Canada and overseas food and other materials were rationed. Things like sugar, butter and the like all became precious commodities. While serving time at the front, meals consisted of biscuits and bully-beef (similar to Spam) Wives and families of soldiers would send care packages to their loved ones and tried to include some tasty treats. Packages often didn’t make it to the men however.

The excitement of going to war faded fast. The Great War was not full of glorious moments of action rather long hours spent waiting in the rain filled trenches.

In fact it was the rain that caused some of the most horrific conditions of the war………

Long hours in the mud and rain with poor quality boots led to a condition called “trench foot” Soldiers’ feet would actually start to rot from being constantly wet

Routine checks took place to keep an eye out for signs of trench foot. When a comrade fell, it was his boots that became the most coveted of his items. Good boots were a precious item.

Rotting feet werent the only thing hard about trench life. The men were constantly covered in lice, so much so that they wouldnt even bother being de-loused on their off days because they would just get them again as soon as they were back at the front.

Two types of rats became constant inhabitants of the trenches, black and brown.

It was the brown rat that became the nemesis of the soldiers. These creatures grew to the size of large cats because they were so gorged on the meat of dead bodies. In fact, they became so aggressive that they would go after soldiers when they were sleeping and take big chunks out of them.

Rotting bodies were the perfect food for the rats. They always started with eyes.

To make matters worse, WWI saw the first ever use of chlorine gas

During one of the battles of Ypres, the Germans unleashed the toxic chemical on the French and Canadian troops. Because of its density it actually lies low to the ground and seeps into the trenches. The French troops fled the battle and left the Canadians to hold the ground. To combat the fumes, the troops soon discovered that urinating on a rag and holding it to their noses would counteract the chlorine. Eventually both sides of the war had the lethal gas technology. Chlorine gas burn

Gas masks were soon invented, but they were very primitive and made even calm, slow breathing extremely difficult

Even with the protection of gas masks, burns were inevitable. If the gas went into the lungs, the soldier would burn from the inside out and cough up chunks of lung- eventually leading to death. It was a gruesome and painful way to die.

Mustard gas is still used in warfare today

Overall, WWI was a brutal and shocking experience for those involved. They came back disheartened, wounded, and shell-shocked – all for only a few hundred kilometers of land shell shock video

Lest we forget……

Homework There are 5 battles important in Canadian history: Second Battle of Ypres, Battle of the Somme, Battle of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. (Counterpoints pp 30-32) In a group, you are to create a booklet that explains each battle. Visuals you may want to include are maps and pictures of the battles. Also, include the significance of each battle for Canadians.