HOW THE CANADIANS BECAME A FIGHTING FORCE AND KICKED SOME. . . . .

Second Battle of Ypres

Canadian Training

The majority of the Canadian troops training consisted of conditioning and basic military skills such as shooting - little instruction in trench warfare was done.

After several months of this, the Canadians were considered ready to assume active operations.

They were sent into the battle at Ypres.

Kitchener’s Wood

The Woods After the Battle

2nd Battle of Ypres – Belgium

Second Ypres is generally remembered today as marking the first use of gas on the Western Front.

The Germans used Gas against the Allies. Covering four miles of trench lines, the gas

affected some 10,000 troops, half of whom died within ten minutes of the gas reaching the front line.

Preparing to Gas the Enemy

Gas

Death was caused by asphyxiation.  Those who lived were temporarily blinded and stumbled in confusion, coughing heavily.  2,000 of these troops were captured as prisoners of war.

Gas Attack

Canadians and Gas

The Germans released a second batch of chlorine gas two days later, on 24 April, this time directed against Canadian troops situated north-east of Ypres in Kitcheners' Wood.

There was a Canadian who knew how to protect the troops by peeing on a cloth and holding it over their mouths.

Thus the Canadians were able to hold the line.

Canadian Casualties

During this time the Canadians had suffered heavily, with 5,975 casualties, including 1,000 fatalities.

Take into consideration that there were only 18,000 soldiers in Europe at this point. The others were on their way!

Gas Masks

Effects of Gas

John MacRae

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Total Amount of Death

Losses during the Second Battle of Ypres are estimated at 69,000 Allied troops (59,000 British, 10,000 French), against 35,000 German, the difference in numbers explained by the use of chlorine gas. 

Canadian Reputation

The "colonials" had made good and were fitted to take their place, as a separate entity, by the side of the finest British and French fighting divisions.

Everywhere throughout France and Belgium the word "Canada" was greeted with enthusiasm and the work of the division was appreciated to its fullest value.

Deficiencies

Lastly, deficiencies of Canadian equipment became clear once and for all.

The Ross Rifle and its tendency to jam under rapid fire did not stand the test well.

From this point onward, the Canadians began to be outfitted with proven British patterns and weapons.

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