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Offensive is planned
Field Marshall Douglas Haig planned an Offensive attack on German Forces in Ypres. (Picture is of Field Marshal Douglas Haig) -
Prepatory attack
Known as the Battle of Messines Ridge, it was a prepatory attack by the British on the German forces South of Ypres, this was essential as this German occupied land would stop any attack from the East.
(Picture is an Aerial Photograph of Messines Ridge on June 2nd 1917) -
Secondary Battle of Verdun
Germans had captured the ground in the first battle, but this French Counter-attack recaptured that ground. But this was in vain as it was later reclaimed by the Germans, because of a limited French offensive, this much costly fighting really crippled the German's defence everywhere. And this is significant because it really helped the other forces capture Passchendaele.
(Picture is of French infantry in World War 1) -
British/Australian Infantry begins Attack
The "Battle of Pilckem Ridge" raged until the Second of August and was the first of many Battles for Ypres.
(Picture is of Canadians carrying off a wounded Soldier through the Mud) -
Period: to
The Battle of Passchendaele
The Allies and German's were fighting for control of the South and West of Ypres. -
Capturing Blackline
II Corps attacked to capture Blackline on the Gheluvelt plateau not held on 31 July, they succeeded, but then were isolated and destroyed by the Germans Artillery.
(Picture is of German Artillery used at the time being wheeled to a new position) -
Hill 70
The battle of Hill 70 was launched to draw the Germans away from the main battle, a diversion if you will. The battle involved large use of Poison Gas.
(Picture is on Germans weilding a Flamethrower in order to breach the Canadian lines) -
Langemarck
The battle of Langemarck was a success for the GErmans as British and ANZAC forces were forced back from the Gheluvelt Plateau. With losse on both sides approx 30000 German casualties and over 60000 British.
(Picture is of a British Railway gun and it's crew) -
XVIII Corps attack
A small attack by the XVIII Corps, overlooked by the Germans as the held the new ground at Langemarck, the only successful attack of it's kind. Due to many strongpoints by Julien then becoming occupied by Artillery and Tanks. Many others had failed.
(Picture is of the British Heavy Tank Mark IV)
(Picture is of a Mark IV British Tank) -
General Plumer takes over
Haig handed command for the Offensive over to General Plumer but little changed as Plumer kept the formation of Britain's attacks.
(Picture is of General Plumer) -
Menin Road Ridge
The battle of Menin Road Ridge, after a change in Tactics in the British forces, the British thought they would attack. Britain suffered 20225 casualties while over 3000 Germans were taken Prisoner. Ended on the 26th of September.
(Picture was staged and taken of wounded soldiers at the Battle) -
Battle of Polygon Wood
Began at 5.50 AM, British and Australian infantry advanced using Compasses due to the heavy fog. No ground was lost or gained by the British or Australian Corps.
(Picture is of Australian Infantry wearing Gas Masks in the trenches near Ypres) -
German Defensive changes
After a severe defeat for the Germans and a lack of Counter-attacks, Generals made changes to the Deployment and their Tactics. This resulted in several defensive successes by the German's but they were costly.
(Picture is of German infantry in World War 1 on the Battlefield) -
Battle of Broodseinde
The Battle of Broodseinde was the last attack led by Plumer. By launching this attack, British and Australian forces hoped to occupy Broodseinde Ridge, Germany wanted to keep that ground, but they lost heaps of soldiers and Briain and Australia advanced yet again.
(Picture is of Australian Battalion with a captured Artillery peice) -
Second German Defensive changes
German defensive changes included dispersin git's troops to the frontline defence zone. Battalions moved behind an Artillery Defence zone and all current frontline soldiers were relieved of holding that position.
(Picture is of German Infantry in World War 1 and their famous "Goose step") -
Battle of Poelcapple
The French fought with the British on this one. Was the last in a string of successful British attacks, it was considered a great defensive success for the Germans. But it was very costly on both sides with 6957 casualties for the ANZACS while the entire casualties were more than 10000 for the entire Allies. While Germany suffered approx. 35000 casualties.
(Picture is of soldiers moving a large gun through heavy mud in the Battle) -
First battle of Passchendaele
The Allies planned to capture the town of Passchendaele based on inaccurate information about the previous attack on 9th of October.
(Taken by Frank Hurley; the morning after the battle the wounded lay as the sun rises) -
Malmaison
The attack on Malmaison was requested by Haig for a long time before Petain launched the attack, the French was the Primary army of the Allies, and the attack was a success as they captured a large sector of the ridge at Chemin des Dames.
(The picture is of General Phillipe Petain) -
Second Battle of Passchendaele
This Battle was the last of the Ypres campaign, the attack was successful as The Allies captured the German occuppied High Ground along the Passchendaele–Westrozebeke ridge.
(Picture is of Canadians laying Trech Mats on the thick mud to ease troop movement) -
Second stage of the Second battle of Passchedaele.
The second stage was meant for the Canadians to capture a strong-point which would be used for the final attack. It succeeded as the Canadians held the area.
(Picture is of Canadian Machine Gunners holding Defensive Positions) -
The battle ends
An attack by Britain and their Allies, led them to advance to Ypres and capture it, bringing the Campaign to an end.
(Picture is of Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves honouring the Soldiers)
