Battle of Ypres

Battle of Ypres, first series of major battles fought by Canadian troops during the FIRST WORLD WAR, officially lasting from 22 April to 25 May 1915. On 22 April 1915 a greenish yellow cloud of chlorine gas almost 7 km long was carried by a light northeast wind toward the Allied trenches near Ypres (now Ieper), Belgium. It was the first effective gas attack on the Western Front. Without gas masks, the French and Algerians in the trenches were forced to retreat, choking, gasping, and dying as the chlorine affected their lungs.

A wide gap opened to the attacking Germans, and 1st Canadian Division, together with British troops, rushed in to halt the enemy's advance. In a week of fierce fighting and bitter counterattacks involving further use of gas, the German thrust was brought to a halt. Although they suffered over 6000 casualties, the Canadians' courage and ability in the face of this new weapon of war won them recognition as first-class troops. FREZENBERG RIDGE was part of this Ypres series of battles.

Author R.H. ROY

Links to Other Sites
Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa is dedicated to the men and women who served with valour and distinction in Canada’s armed services. Their website features a virtual tour of the museum and multimedia online exhibits that depict how Canada met and overcame wartime challenges throughout its history.

The War Amps
The War Amps website commemorates Canada's proud military heritage and the sacrifices of Canadian war veterans. Check out the "Canada's Military Heritage" section for extensive documentation, photographs and veterans’ accounts of their wartime experiences. Features a special section devoted to the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.

Valour Road
View a brief video about three Canadian soldiers from Winnipeg who earned the Victoria Cross in the First World War. A Heritage Minute from the Historica-Dominion Institute. See also related lesson plans.

In Flanders Fields
An information site for "In Flanders Fields," an award-winning documentary film about Canadian military action at Ypres, the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele during the First World War. Click on the link at the top of the page to read an online copy of the full film script. From The War Amps.

Sir Samuel Hughes
A biography of Sir Samuel Hughes, teacher, militia officer, newspaper proprietor, and politician. Offers interesting details about government policies concerning Canada's involvement in the First World War. From the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.