The Great War: Mobilization of the CEF and Ops to 1916 Flashcards
What prompted Germany to declare war in 1914?
Russia’s mobilization of forces
Why did Sam Hughes gain a reputation as a “buffoon” in history?
For improvising the mobilization plan and favoring untrained friends
Where did the Canadian Expeditionary Force initially muster?
Valcartier, Quebec
What was a primary motivation for many British-born individuals to enlist in the CEF?
The promise of regular meals and employment
What new weapon did the Germans unleash on the untested Canadian troops at Ypres?
Chlorine gas
What makeshift method did Canadian soldiers use to protect themselves from gas attacks?
Urine-soaked cloths
What was the outcome of the Battle of Ypres for the Canadians?
A costly but successful defense of their position
What event prompted the British to launch a major offensive around the Somme River?
Intense pressure on the French army at Verdun
Describe the initial mobilization of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. What were some of the key challenges and controversies?
The initial mobilization of the CEF was marked by both enthusiasm and chaos. While Canadians volunteered in droves, Minister of National Defence Sam Hughes’s improvisational approach created significant challenges. Instead of following the established mobilization plan, Hughes directly contacted units, bypassing the General Staff and leading to organizational confusion. He also shifted the mobilization point from Petawawa to Valcartier, Quebec, a location lacking adequate infrastructure. The hasty mobilization resulted in disorganization and a reliance on inexperienced personnel. Hughes’s favoritism towards friends, many of whom lacked proper training, further compounded the problems.
How did the experience at the Battle of Ypres shape the Canadian Expeditionary Force?
The Canadians faced the horrors of trench warfare and encountered a new and terrifying weapon: chlorine gas. Despite being ill-equipped and facing overwhelming odds, they held their ground with tenacity, earning a reputation for courage and resilience. The experience highlighted their strength as individual soldiers but also exposed weaknesses in operational planning and command. The high casualties suffered underscored the harsh realities of war and the steep learning curve the CEF faced.
Explain the significance of the Battle of St. Eloi and its impact on the Canadian command structure.
The Battle of St. Eloi, the first major operation for the 2nd Canadian Division, proved to be a disastrous affair. It exposed serious flaws in operational planning and command, particularly highlighting Major General Turner’s shortcomings as a leader. The Canadians’ failure to properly secure and defend captured craters, coupled with confusion and poor communication, led to heavy losses and a strategic defeat. This debacle led to the British dispatching more staff officers to provide guidance and oversight, emphasizing the need for greater professionalism and expertise within the Canadian command structure.
What key developments led to the growth of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during 1915 and 1916?
The CEF underwent significant growth during 1915 and 1916. The arrival of the 2nd Canadian Division in the spring of 1915 marked a major expansion. Prime Minister Borden subsequently authorized increases to the CEF’s strength, aiming to contribute more substantially to the war effort. This growth was driven by initial waves of volunteers and a growing sense of national commitment. However, maintaining such a large force strained Canada’s resources and highlighted the challenges of sustaining recruitment. The establishment of the Ministry of Overseas Forces aimed to address organizational inefficiencies and improve management of the growing CEF.
Discuss the events leading up to the Battle of the Somme and the significance of the Newfoundland Regiment’s involvement at Beaumont-Hamel
The Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest battles in history, was launched by the British in July 1916 to relieve pressure on the French army at Verdun. The offensive aimed to break through German lines but faced fierce resistance. The Newfoundland Regiment, fighting as part of the British forces, participated in the initial attack on July 1st at Beaumont-Hamel. The regiment suffered catastrophic losses, with over 700 casualties, including 300 killed. This marked the bloodiest per capita day for any unit in the history of the British Empire, highlighting the brutal cost of the Somme offensive and the devastating impact of the war on Newfoundland.
