Lesson 9a Battles of WWI Flashcards
Which battle was the first large-scale use of poison gas by the Germans?
The Second Battle of Ypres
Which battle was the first major front line for the Canadian troops in Europe?
The Second Battle of Ypres.
What was the Second Battle of Ypres?
Second Battle of Ypres
Dates: April 22 to May 25, 1915
Location: Ypres, Belgium
Significance: An early engagement for Canadian forces in WWI.
Key Event: First large-scale use of poison gas by the Germans.
What role did Canadian troops play in the Second Battle of Ypres?
Role of Canadian Troops
1st Canadian Division: Played a pivotal role in defending Ypres.
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI): Notable for their steadfast defense and earned the nickname “Shock Troops.”
Courage and Tenacity: Displayed remarkable resilience against gas attacks and fierce counterattacks.
What was significant about the weaponry used in the Second Battle of Ypres?
First Use of Poison Gas
First Large-Scale Use: Germans used poison gas for the first time on a large scale.
Impact on Soldiers: Canadian soldiers were on the front lines of this unprecedented attack, facing terrifying new dangers.
Who was Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae and what did he do during the Second Battle of Ypres?
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
Role: Canadian medical officer.
Contribution: Composed the famous war poem “In Flanders Fields.”
Significance: The poem captures the sacrifice and resilience of the soldiers.
What does the Second Battle of Ypres signify for Canadian history?
Canadian Valor
Significance: A pivotal moment in Canadian history.
Commitment: Demonstrated Canada’s commitment to the war effort.
Sacrifice: Highlighted the heavy sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers.
Legacy: Reinforced the reputation of Canadian troops as “Shock Troops” for their bravery and tenacity.
What were the conditions like for soldiers during the Second Battle of Ypres?
Trench Warfare
Conditions: Brutal and harsh.
Challenges: Faced relentless assaults, poison gas attacks, and the constant threat of death.
Defense: Despite the conditions, Canadian soldiers defended their positions with remarkable courage.
What was the Battle of the Somme?
Battle of the Somme
Dates: July 1 to November 18, 1916
Location: Somme region, France
Nature: A massive joint offensive involving British and Canadian forces.
Objective: To break through German defenses and relieve pressure on the French at Verdun.
What was the role of Canadian forces in the battle of Somme.
Canadian Forces in the Battle of the Somme
Participation: Substantial involvement alongside British forces.
Troop Experience: Canadian troops were relatively inexperienced at the time.
Significance: Faced the stark realities of trench warfare and demonstrated remarkable courage
What were the conditions like for soldiers during the Battle of the Somme?
Trench Warfare Conditions
Environment: Harsh and grueling.
Challenges: Muddy trenches, constant bombardments, and exposure to the elements.
Combat: Faced relentless machine gun fire and artillery barrages.
Who was Private George Lawrence Price and what is his significance?
Private George Lawrence Price
Identity: Canadian soldier.
Significance: One of the last Canadians killed in World War I.
Circumstances: Died two minutes before the Armistice on November 11, 1918.
Legacy: His story is a poignant reminder of the war’s toll on troops.
What happened on the first day of the Battle of the Somme?
First Day of the Battle
Date: July 1, 1916
Outcome: One of the bloodiest days in military history.
Casualties: Approximately 57,000 British casualties, including many Canadians.
Significance: Highlighted the severe cost of the battle.
What was the broader impact of the Battle of the Somme on World War I?
Broader Impact
Strategic Outcome: Limited territorial gains for the Allies.
German Forces: Suffered heavy losses, weakening their ability to sustain prolonged conflict.
Morale: Significant impact on troop morale and public perception of the war.
What technological and tactical developments were notable in the Battle of the Somme?
Technological and Tactical Developments
Tanks: First use of tanks in warfare, though with limited success.
Artillery: Intensive and prolonged artillery barrages.
Tactics: Evolution of trench warfare tactics and the importance of combined arms operations.
What were the casualties for Canadian forces in the Battle of the Somme?
Canadian Casualties
Numbers: Thousands of Canadian soldiers were killed or wounded.
Impact: Highlighted the heavy sacrifices made by Canadian troops.
Legacy: Contributed to Canada’s national identity and military reputation.
What does the Battle of the Somme signify for Canadian history?
Canadian Valor and Resilience
Significance: A defining moment showcasing Canadian bravery and tenacity.
Commitment: Demonstrated Canada’s unwavering commitment to the war effort.
Legacy: Cemented the reputation of Canadian soldiers as resilient and determined in the face of adversity.
What was the Battle of Passchendaele?
Battle of Passchendaele
Also Known As: Third Battle of Ypres
Dates: July 31 to November 10, 1917
Location: Near Passchendaele, Belgium
Objective: Allied forces aimed to capture the ridge and village of Passchendaele from German control.
What role did Canadian forces play in the Battle of Passchendaele?
Canadian Forces’ Role
Central Role: Canadian forces were pivotal in capturing Passchendaele Ridge and the village.
Effort: Involved intense fighting and overcoming difficult conditions to achieve their objectives.
What were the conditions like during the Battle of Passchendaele?
Mud: Soldiers navigated through knee-deep mud.
Weather: Endured relentless rain.
Challenges: Faced well-fortified German positions and difficult terrain.
Who was Sergeant Hugh Cairns and what did he achieve?
Sergeant Hugh Cairns
Recognition: Earned the Victoria Cross.
Acts of Courage: Notable for extraordinary bravery during the battle.
Legacy: Symbol of Canadian valor and heroism at Passchendaele.