In Flanders Fields Museum
First visit to "In Flanders Field Museum"
The map display is very informative as the battles unfold in the display screens and the locations are superimposed on the ground of today.
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In Flanders fields Museum
Battles of Ypres diplay |
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| Battles of Ypres 1914 - 1918 |
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| Trench Model |
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| Trench Model |
During the Third Battle of Ypres the weather
conditions turned the entire Salient into a “porridge
of mud”. As a consequence the Royal Engineers were unable to construct the
plank roads for the forward move of the guns. The guns therefore remained in
place unable to take advantage of any ground gained. They were also operating
at extreme range, just being able to hit the German front line. Consequently
any targets in depth, and counter battery fire were not achievable. In addition it was not possible for many guns
to find secure platforms, causing inaccurate fire. The 18 pounder guns required
a foundation of fascines and road metal with two layers of thick planks to provide
a platform. Even then it might only last for 24 hours. Some batteries resorted
to building platforms out of shell cases.
Many bombardments were largely ineffective. The wire was not cut; HE shells buried in the mud had little effect. The creeping barrage was ragged or nonexistent in some areas and the infantry were unable to keep pace with the it as the floundered in deep liquid mud.
Ammunition supply
was a problem in the quagmire. Ammunition limbers and wagons could not bring
ammunition direct to the guns necessitating movement by hand or by mule.
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In Flanders fields Museum
Horse Ammunition Carrier |
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In Flanders fields Museum
Four legged friend |
