1. Canadian Battles of WW1
TDSB
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2. Trial By Fire: The Second Battle of Ypres
Canada’s first experience in battle occurred at the small Belgian town of Ypres
Canadian and French-Algerian troops were assigned to hold a ‘bulge’ in the front lines, surrounded by Germans on three sides
The Germans planned to take this position by using a new weapon never before tested in battle – POISOIN GAS!
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3. The Ypres Salient
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5. Gas Attack!
On April 22, 1915 Germans opened up the valves on 5730 cannisters of chlorine gas.
The gas drifted over the battle field and silently sank into the trenches – behind it came 100,000 German troops outfitted with gas masks
As the gas slid into the trenches soldiers grasped their throats in agony, fell to the ground and thrashed about
The French troops faced the heaviest concentration of gas and fled their trenches -
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7. What can we learn about the expectations of soldiers from this primary source? Why would the government feel the need to censor letters? Do you believe this was necessary?
The following is a letter sent by a Canadian soldier on April 22nd, just before the Second Battle of Ypres broke out. Although heavily censored by Canadian intelligence, we can guess what had been censored out by knowing the context of the battle.
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8. Soldiers on the front line were poorly equipped – no gas masks were provided despite the fact the allied commanders knew a gas attack was likely
Canadians showed great resourcefulness by holding urine soaked handkerchiefs over their face
The Canadian troops held their position and even extended their lines to close the gaps left by the retreating French
Francis Alexander Caron Scrimger. Capt. Scrimger, with the 2nd Canadian Field Ambulance, may have passed the order to use urine to counteract the gas. Captain Scrimger received a Victoria Cross for other actions on 25 April
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9. Soldiers with improvised gas masks
Soldiers on the front lines urinated on their handkerchiefs and strapped them over their faces; uric acid neutralizes chlorine. The solution was not perfect as many still suffered damaged lungs and the eyes were left unprotected. Many soldiers were left permanently blind.
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10. British Soldiers Blinded by Gas Attack
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11. Our soldiers paid a heavy price for their courage
Canadians were the only troops to hold their position after being gassed and the only troops to lead a successful counter attack at Ypres
The Cost:
6035 casualties
2000 dead
Our soldiers paid a heavy price for their courage
Canadian troops earned a reputation as tough courageous fighters who would not easily be defeated!
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12. John MacRae at Ypres
During the second battle of Ypres, the Canadian Army surgeon John McCrae wrote "In Flanders Fields" near here in 1915 after burying a close friend
The site of an Advanced Dressing Station, the surgeons' dug-outs can still be seen next to the cemetery.
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13. 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.
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15. Photo of a gas attack (note the importance of knowing wind direction)
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16. Canadian Soldier with Mustard Gas Burns
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