First World War · permanent subject timeline
Third Ypres and the costly 1917 offensive in Flanders. This page combines historical context with 21 matching records drawn directly from the World History Database World War I battle archive.
Historical context
The Third Battle of Ypres opened in July 1917 as British and Allied forces attacked in Flanders. Repeated artillery fire and heavy rain helped turn the battlefield into deep mud before Canadian forces captured Passchendaele village in November.
Passchendaele became an enduring symbol of the conditions and human cost of trench warfare. The campaign also reflected British strategic efforts to pressure German forces and threaten bases connected with submarine operations.
World History Database records
The records below are selected from the 572-record World War I battles archive and rendered as static HTML in chronological order.
Battle of Passchendaele
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
Battle of Passchendaele
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
Battle of Passchendaele
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
Battle of Passchendaele
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
Battle of Passchendaele
Haig decides to capture Passchendaele
Battle of Passchendaele
Orders the Canadian Corps to capure the Pascendale Ridge
Battle of Passchendaele
1st day of the Passchendaele Offensive
Battle of Passchendaele
The Canadian Corps relieved II ANZAC Corps on 18 October from their positions along the valley between Gravenstafel Ridge and the heights at Passchendaele
Battle of Passchendaele
The Passchandale Offensive ceases after only advancing half a mile in 12 days
Battle of Passchendaele
Currie prepares Canadian attacks near Ypres.
Battle of Passchendaele
Commander of Canadian Corps ordered by Haig to take Passchendaele Ridge
Battle of Passchendaele
Wins the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Passchendaele
Battle of Passchendaele
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.
Battle of Passchendaele
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.
Battle of Passchendaele
a ratio of roughly 2 inches (5 cm) gained per dead soldier.
Battle of Passchendaele
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.
Battle of Passchendaele
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.
Battle of Passchendaele
a ratio of roughly 2 inches (5 cm) gained per dead soldier.
Battle of Passchendaele
Armin commands German defence at Ypres.
Battle of Passchendaele
The Canadian Corps launched a final action on 10 November to gain control of the remaining high ground north of the village, in the vicinity of Hill 52
Battle of Passchendaele
The Canadians take Passchendaele Ridge, 15,654 casualties
Editorial provenance
Compiled and edited by World History Database.
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from World History Database First World War records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
Imperial War Museums · Commonwealth War Graves Commission · Australian War Memorial
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