Passchendaele in History

The First Battle of Passchendaele, on 12 October 1917 began with a further Allied attempt by 5 British and 3 ANZAC divisions (the New Zealand Division and the Australian 3rd and 4th Divisions) to gain ground around Poelcappelle

The First Battle of Passchendaele, on 12 October 1917 began with a further Allied attempt by 5 British and 3 ANZAC divisions (the New Zealand Division and the Australian 3rd and 4th Divisions) to gain ground around Poelcappelle. The Allied troops were fought-out, and morale was suffering, against the well-prepared German defences, the gains were minimal and there were 13,000 Allied casualties

At a conference in Chantilly in November 1916, and a series of subsequent meetings, the Entente agreed on an offensive strategy where they would overwhelm the Central Powers by means of attacks on the Western, Eastern and Italian Fronts

In December 1916, at the conclusion of the Battle of the Somme, Haig identified Flanders as the most promising theatre for a British offensive of 1917 and by January 1917 the idea of a Flanders offensive had met with the approval of the British Cabinet

The idea of a Flanders offensive had been in the mind of British commander Sir Douglas Haig for some time before the Battle of Passchendaele began. Orders plans to be drawn up for an attack in the area, and this attack might well have happened had the Germans not launched the Battle of Verdun

Wins the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Passchendaele

Haig supports Canadian Corps preparations for renewed attacks on the Passchendaele ridge.

Haig decides to capture Passchendaele

Orders the Canadian Corps to capure the Pascendale Ridge

1st day of the Passchendaele Offensive

Haig approves the first major assault toward Passchendaele after previous attacks fail to secure the ridge.

The Passchandale Offensive ceases after only advancing half a mile in 12 days

Haig continues the campaign with Canadian-led attacks toward the village and ridge.

Although inflicting irreplaceable casualties on the Germans, the Allies had captured a mere 5 miles (8 km) of new territory at a cost of 140,000 combat deaths.

The Battle consisted of a series of Bite and Hold attacks to capture critical terrain and wear down the German army, lasting until the Canadian Corps took Passchendaele on 6 November 1917, ending the battle.

a ratio of roughly 2 inches (5 cm) gained per dead soldier.

Haig orders consolidation after Canadian troops secure Passchendaele village and nearby high ground.