The context of the Western Front and what it was like to fight in Flanders Flashcards
What was the Ypres Salient?
A place where a lot of battles took place during WW1. It was on the way to Calais and Dunkirk.
The Germans always owned the higher ground here, meaning they could see British and French movements and build better defences.
What happened at the Somme, Arras and Cambrai?
Somme: July - November 1916.
→ 60,000 injured and 2,000 dead British on the first day.
→ 400,000 Allied Casualties put massive pressure on medical services.
Arras: April 1917.
→ Tunnel system allowed troops to the frontline easily.
Cambrai: October 1917.
→ 450 large-scale tanks used for a surprise attack.
→ Not enough support by the infantry so the British lost ground.
How was the Trench system organised and constructed?
2.5m deep, with a zig-zag pattern and dugouts contained for men to take protective cover.
How were mines and tunnels used at Hill 60 near Ypres?
In a way that allowed the British to take back control and meant the Germans lost the advantage of the salient.
How were caves and quarries used at Arras?
Tunnelling was made easy because of the chalky ground.
New tunnels joined with existing tunnels, caves and quarries. Rooms were created with running water and electricity.
An underground hospital was built.
How did the environment affect transport and communications?
Difficult to move because of equipment and men.
Communication was difficult during major battles.
Collecting the wounded from No Man’s land was done under fire. Even more dangerous at night.
The deep mud and tight corners made it difficult for stretcher bearers.
