Ex Magpie Progress 25 - 2nd Battle of Ypres

 On the afternoon of 22nd April 1915 the Germans released chlorine gas East of Ypres, the first action in the Second Battle of Ypres, and the first use of gas on the Western Front. 

Gas attack Ypres 22nd April 1915

Their aim was to  breakthrough and capture the Channel ports severing British logistic support. The gas attack occurred in the French Sector and caused a immediate withdrawal to escape the effects of the gas. British troops conformed and also withdrew.  

Second Battle of Ypres
Area lost during Gas Attack

At the beginning of the attack the British front line was North of the village of Langemarck where the German cemetery is located.

German Cemetery Langemark

German Cemetery Langemark

German Cemetery Langemark

German Cemetery Langemark Cenotaph

German Cemetery Langemark Cenotaph

Thanks to the resolute defence of the Canadian Division, who improvised gas protection, the German onslaught was held.

Second Battle of Ypres

The Brooding Soldier Monument unveiled in July 1923 commemorates the Canadian First Division's participation in the Second Battle of Ypres. 

It was located in the area where the German assault after the gas attack was halted.

Brooding Soldier Memorial

Brooding Soldier Memorial

The battle would grind on another four weeks.       

The Germans were unable to exploit the momentum of the initial gas attack. They did force a British withdrawal from the higher ground, but the desired breakthrough and the capture of Channel ports was not achieved.