Canadian Flag 1914 |
Canadian Expedition Force 1914 |
The Canadians movement to France commenced 4th February 1914, the last transport reaching the port of St Nazzaire on 16th February. The Canadians first action was in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle 10-12 March 1914. After being relieved and a period of rest, they took over an area to the NE of Ypres from the French Army 15th - 17th April.
At around 17:00 on April 22, 1915, the German Army released one hundred and sixty eight tons of chlorine gas over a 5 mile front on the part of the line held by French.
The effect was devastating. Around 6,000 French and
Colonial died within 10 minutes. The remainder abandoned their positions
creating an 8,000 yard gap. As the Germans sought to to exploit the gap, the Canadians fought fiercely to block German penetration. Reinforcements and ad hoc formations, including elements of the newly arrived Northumbrian Division, established defensive positions, though a great deal of ground was ceded to the Germans. Despite another gas attack on the 24th April, the Germans were unable to break though.
Gas Attack Ypres - 22nd April 1944 |
To commemorate the action of the 1st Canadian Division and the loss of 2,000 lives, the 'Brooding Soldier' memorial at Vancouver Corner was built as a memorial to the Canadian Troops.
Brooding Soldier Vancouver Corner Ypres |
Commemoration to Canadian Forces |
Vancouver Corner Ypres 2016 |