WW1 – CANADIANS ON THE BATTLE FIELD

Women on the Western Front

2500 Canadian women joined medical and field ambulance corps during the war; some served as nurses during the war.

Canadian nurses were called “Bluebirds” after the colour of their uniform.

Nurses worked in military hospitals in the battle zones and in hospitals in Britain.

Many were killed or injured by artillery fire, bombs or poison gas.

Canadians on the Battle Field – Battle of Ypres

When – April – May 1915 Where – Ypres, Belgium

(Flanders District) What – French and Canadian

troops were defending Ypres and retreated when the Germans used Chlorine gas.

Battle of Ypres

Chlorine gas burned eyes, throats, and destroyed lungs.

Despite having only clothes wetted with water or urine tied over their mouths as a defense against the lung-searing gas, the Canadian infantrymen stood their ground.

Outcome – French and Canadian troops were forced to retreat with over 6,000 Canadians were killed, wounded or captured as prisoners of war.

Battle of Ypres Significance, Impact,

Consequences:Canada’s first taste of war and

trench warfare.First time poison gas was used.Canadians suffered terrible losses.Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John

McCrae wrote the world famous poem “In Flanders Field” after the battle of Ypres.

In Flanders Field Written by Lieutenant Colonel John

McCrae after the Battle of Ypres, in memory of a friend who was killed.

The poppies referred to in the poem grew in abundance in Flanders where dead soldiers were buried.

The poppies have become a symbol of Remembrance Day.

John McCrae

In Flanders Field – Written

on May 3, 1915

In Flanders Field

Ypres – Fall 1917 – A town destroyed by 3 years of fighting

Ruins of Ypres

German barrage fire - Ypres

Battle of the Somme

When – July – November, 1916

Where – Somme, France What – Allied forces under

General Douglas Haig tried to end trench warfare with a large attack on the German trenches at the Somme.

Battle of the Somme

Wave upon wave of allied troops marching across open fields into “no man’s land were killed by German machine guns.

58,000 British troops were killed, wounded or went missing on the first day of battle.

Outcome – The Germans were not driven back and over 20,000 Canadians were killed.

Battle of the Somme

Significance, Impact, Consequences:

First time tanks were used. 1.25 million casualties on both

sides. Newfoundland Regiment suffered

85% casualties (700 men).

Douglas Haig

Explosion at Hawthorne Ridge – German

Stronghold

Demolished German Trench

Stretch bearers carrying off

wounded soldiers

Troops marching through “No Man’s Land” - Somme

Somme after artillery bombs

Wounded soldier being carried

through a trench

British Machine Gun Team

War time cemetery - Somme

Battle of Vimy Ridge

When – April, 1917 Where – Vimy Ridge (Between

France and Belgium) What – Vimy Ridge had fallen to

Germany in October, 1914. Canadian troops tried to regain the ridge which was important because it was a strong fortress that was easy to defend and dangerous to attack.

Battle of Vimy Ridge

In April 1917, Canadian troops attacked the Germans under the leadership of Julian Byng.

Outcome – Canadians were successful but with heavy losses; 3,000 Canadians were killed and 7,000 were injured.

Battle of Vimy Ridge

Significance, Impact, Consequences:

Capture of Vimy Ridge was the first time in history that Canadian fought together as one, independent of British forces.

This victory became a symbol of Canada’s autonomy (independence).

Historian Pierre Berton captured the events at Vimy Ridge as follows: ``They said it couldn`t be done and we did.``

Pack horses carrying ammunition – Vimy Ridge

Tent under water – Vimy Ridge

Canadian soldiers make their way down a muddy road – Vimy Ridge

Canadian soldiers playing cards – Vimy Ridge

Artillery being fired at night –Vimy Ridge

A wounded German soldier – Vimy Ridge

Happy Canadian Soldiers – Vimy Ridge

Captured German Soldiers

Canadian War Memorial – Vimy Ridge; Unveiled in 1936

Vimy Memorial Names

Battle of Passchendaele

When – October, 1917 Where – Passchendale,

Belgium What – Canadian troops were

asked to attack the Germans. Outcome – Canadians gained

only 7 km of land with 16,000 Canadian casualties.

Battle of Passchendale

Significance, Impact,Consequences:

One in five Canadians died. Battle of Attrition with an allied

victory.

No Man’s Land - Passchendaele

Aerial view of the village of Passchendaele before and after the battle.

Poor weather conditions at Passchendaele

Wounded Canadian Soldier - Passchendaele

Sandbagged Dugout - Passchendaele

Canadian Passchendaele War Memorial