Passchendaele Flashcards
What factor put pressure on the British before the battle?
French mutinies.
Which battle came before Passchendaele?
The Battle of Arras in April 1917
What was Haig’s plan?
To advance 7 miles, and push the Germans off the higher ground. This would threaten their railway position at Roulers and therefore their entire position on the German coast, thereby vitally weakening the u-boat campaign which was starving Britain.
What did Haig underestimate about the Germans?
Their morale.
How many shells exploded helping Plumer’s army gain Messeine’s ridge?
3.5 million.
How many mines exploded helping Plumer’s army gain Messeine’s ridge?
19.
When did the main attack occur? What was it preceded by?
The 31st of July, a creeping barrage.
How much territory did the British gain?
7 miles.
What were the casualty figures?
260,000 for both sides.
How many prisoners did the British capture?
24,035.
How many machine guns did the British capture?
941.
How many artillery guns did the British capture?
74.
At what point did Haig make his fatal mistake?
Deciding to push on despite the weather to the attack on Passchedaele ridge.
What argument have historians used to defend Haig?
That he had to eliminate the u-boat threat whatever the cost.
