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Battle - First Battle of Ypres
The British managed to hold onto Ypres, which was vital in maintaining access and control of the English Channel ports, but the Germans gained ground. -
Battle - Second Battle of Ypres
The Germans moved towards Ypres, using chlorine gas. This was the first time that gas had been used in battle. -
Event - Gas masks given to all British troops
Before this, they had to use cotton pads soaked with urine. -
Event - Soft caps replaced by Brodie helmets
Head injuries were common and mostly caused by shrapnel. Brodie helmets reduced head wounds. -
Battle - Somme
Extremely high casualties. Two new strategies from the British: the creeping barrage and tank warfare - these had little impact. -
Battle - Arras
The British used tunnels built in 1916 to launch the battle, which was initially successful but ended up with little progress and high numbers of casualties on both sides. -
Battle - Third Battle of Ypres
The British used a creeping barrage to break out of the Ypres Salient. Rain left the ground waterlogged and many drowned. -
Battle - Cambrai
First large-scale use of tanks by the British, which were successful but were ultimately forced back. -
Event - Delousing
Trench fever produced flu-like symptoms which could last for months and keep reoccurring. It was caused by lice so, in 1918, troops were deloused, which reduced cases.