Passchendaele: The Third Battle of Ypres

Passchendaele is also known as “The Fourth War of Ypres”.

Canada initially deployed 100,000 soldiers to the Passchendaele front.

Sir Douglas Haig commanded Canadian soldiers to engage at Passchendaele primarily to secure essential Channel Ports and eliminate U-boat bases.

Sir Arthur Currie enthusiastically supported sending Canadian troops to Passchendaele due to the anticipated prospects for an easy victory.

Sir Arthur Currie's expertise primarily lay in naval operations and submarine warfare.

Canadian forces were deployed to Passchendaele to support Austrian and New Zealander troops.

To prepare for battle, Sir Arthur Currie prioritized the construction of essential infrastructure, including new roads and tramlines.

During the initial phases of the Passchendaele offensive, Canadian forces suffered approximately 6,000 casualties.

By mid-November, the number of Canadian deaths in the Passchendaele battle reached approximately 25,654.

Passchendaele is considered one of the most impactful battles of attrition, with approximately 275,000 British casualties and 220,000 German casualties.

The extensive Flanders drainage system effectively mitigated the environmental challenges caused by heavy rainfall during the Battle of Passchendaele.

Despite facing immense challenges, Canadian forces managed to advance approximately one kilometer per day during the initial days of their Passchendaele offensive.

Winston Churchill lauded the Battle of Passchendaele as an unparalleled triumph of valor and strategic brilliance.

Prior to their involvement in Passchendaele, Canadian forces had secured victories at Vimy Ridge and Hill 70, providing them with valuable pre-battle experience.

Sir Arthur Currie accurately predicted that the Canadian Corps would sustain approximately 6,000 casualties at Passchendaele, demonstrating his profound misjudgment of the battle's intensity.

Passchendaele is also known as 'The Fourth War of Ypres'.

Canada initially sent 10,000 soldiers to the Passchendaele front.

General Douglas MacArthur commanded Canadian soldiers at Passchendaele.

Sir Arthur Currie enthusiastically supported sending Canadian troops to Passchendaele.

To improve conditions, Sir Arthur Currie initiated the construction of new roads and tramlines.

The 'set-piece' attack led by Sir Arthur Currie resulted in approximately 6,000 Canadian deaths or casualties.

The battle of Passchendaele took place primarily in France.

Canada secured the ridge on November 6th, despite the challenging environment.

Passchendaele is considered a high point for Britain during the war due to its strategic gains.

The Flanders drainage system was improved during the war, which helped mitigate flooding.

Allied Powers (such as the USA) with large populations were in a better situation to deal with the high levels of war deaths and casualties.

Canada joined the battle of Passchendaele after struggling in Hill 70.

The British Expeditionary Force aimed to push the Germans away from Switzerland.

The initial goal for the Canadians was to be sent to the town of Loos.

It took the Canadian soldiers approximately a week to travel across the land due to the mud.

Canada joined the Battle of Passchendaele with the 2nd and 3rd divisions.

The Battle of Passchendaele concluded on November 20, 1917.

Passchendaele is notably remembered for the minimal casualties suffered by both sides involved.

Private John Sudbury expressed the environment as tough, but bearable.

The strategic failure at Passchendaele can be partly attributed to the complete absence of rainfall throughout the campaign, which made troop and supply movement exceptionally difficult.