Ypres Flashcards
Why was there so much fighting around Ypres
Direct route to channel ports (Calais and Dunkirk)
Could cut off spikes to British army
The Ypres salient was a vulnerable area in the allied line, German forces had the high ground above it, major advantage
When was the second battle of Ypres
April - May 1915
What was special about the second battle of Ypres
First extensive and effective use of chlorine gas by German troops. Surprised soldiers, had no defence against it, mass casualties.
When was the third battle of Ypres
July - November 1917
When was the first battle of Ypres
October - November 1915
What was the third battle of Ypres like?
British aimed to break out of Ypres salient
Ground waterlogged from bad weather
Many men drowned in mud
245,000 British casualties
What is the third battle of Ypres also known as
The battle of passchendaele
How many casualties were there on the first battle of Ypres
> 50,000 British troops
How many casualties from the second battle of Ypres
59,000 British troops
What did they use as gas mask into the second battle of Ypres
Urine-soaked cloths
What battle is a good example of the Germans trying to gain higher ground
Hill 60 near Ypres in April 1915, British got control eventually
