The 2nd Battle of YpresApril 22 – May 25 1915

Last Section of Belgium Germans had taken

all of Belgium except for 5 mile region around Ypres

Turned to poisonous gas to try and take Ypres

French, British and Canadians formed the opposition

Chlorine Gas The gas used was

Chlorine Aimed at the

respiratory system Caused rapid

buildup of fluid in the lungs

Victim drowned from the fluid build up in their lungs

First Gas Attack

April 22 - 160 tons of Chlorine gas released by Germans

Aimed at the FrenchFrench panicked and fled leaving

4 mile gap in the allied trenchesGermans were surprised by the

success and didn’t take full advantage of their success

Urine in the HandkerchiefCanadian medical officer recognized the gas

Told soldiers to urinate on their handkerchief and hold it to their mouth

Canadians and British held the line

Second Gas Attack

Germans launch 2nd gas attack on April 24th aimed at Canadians

Canadians lose forward trenches, but hold off the attack

Arthur Currie After gas attack and

hole in allied line Threw away tactical

book for counter attack Allowed allies to create

a stable defensive line Denied Germans of

breakthrough they sought

Demonstrated calm under intense circumstances

Importance to Canada

First major battle for the CanadiansProved their combat abilityBegan to earn positive reputation among

allied leadersArthur Currie emerges as a Canadian

leader John McCrae writes in Flanders Field

(wrote it because friend’s funeral after dying in Ypres– parts of which used at homefront in propoganda)

In Flanders Fields…In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.

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

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