Western Front Flashcards
When did fighting on the western front begin and why?
August 4 1914 when Germany invaded Belgium to outflank France as part of the Schlieffen plan
How long (size) was the western front and from where did it stretch?
750km, from Swiss border to Belgian cost
What are the sections of the trench system?
Front line, support lines, reserve lines and no mans land
What were some issues facing those living in the trenches?
Disease, scarce fresh food and dressing climates
Where was the battle of the Somme?
A 30km front North of the Somme river
What was the purpose of the Somme?
To drain German reserves, gain land and relieve pressure on the French
When was the first day and how many men did the British lose?
1 July 1916, 58,000
By the end of the battle what where the casualty numbers?
420,000 british, 200,000 French, 500,000 Germans, 32,000 Australians
Describe what happened at the Somme
5 day bombardment
Failed to destroy German defences
Allowed German machine guns and barbed wire to be functional
When allies went over the top they were mowed down
What was the purpose of the battle of Fromelles?
To divert attention from the Somme and to gain land
What was the original objective of the soldiers at Fromelles?
To take the third trench, however there was only 2, and the Germans fought back, stranding the ANZACS
What is one of the major reasons considered for the failure at Fromelles?
Rushed preparation and lack of training
What happened at Fromelles with regards to strategy?
7 hour bombardment (no chance of surprise) followed by soldiers being mown down by machine gun fire
How many casualties were there at Fromelles?
5,533 Australian to only 1,000 German, deadliest 24 hours in Australian history
Where was the first front to see tank warfare?
Pozieres
How many Ypres battles were there?
3
Why was control of Ypres important?
Gave control of surrounding countryside and major roads
Describe the first battle or Ypres
German forces failed in outflanking British in “race to sea”
What was famous about the second battle of Ypres?
Use of poison gas
What was the 3rd battle of Ypres?
Passchendaele
Where was passchendaele fought?
Flanders, Belgium
What was the objective at Passchendaele?
To gain access to Belgian cost and take submarine bases
What was the main cause of casualties at Passchendaele?
Mustard gas
Who won the battle of Passchendaele?
The allies in November 1917
Who lead the battle against conscription?
Archbishop Daniel Mannix
Which ship was sunk by the HMAS Sydney?
The Emden
