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Location of the Battle of Gravenstafel Ridge in the Ypres SalientThe Battle of Gravenstafel Ridge

Part One - 22nd April: 5pm - midnight

The first part of the study of the Battle of Gravenstafel Ridge covers the period from the launch of the German gas attack at 5pm on 22 April through to the situation at the end of the day.

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The Allied Armies

 

The German Army

 

Return to Prelude Index

 
 

Summary: 22 April 5pm to midnight

 
 

New page The gas valves are opened

 
 

Un nuage jaune-vert": A yellow-green cloud engulfs the French

 
 

Canadians witness the green cloud

 
 

A German long-range bombardment of Ypres starts up

 
 

3rd Canadian Brigade reserves 'Stand To Arms'

 
 

Updated German accounts of the first effects of the gas cloud

 
 

The gas cloud rolls through the French trenches

 
 

Updated The German infantry advances

 
 

13th Canadian Battalion responds to the German attack

 
 

Canadian 2nd Brigade reports some heavy shelling

 
 

Updated German soldiers describe the infantry advance

 
 

The Allied front line is broken: the way to Ypres is open

 
 

A company of 7th Canadian Battalion moves forward from the 2nd Brigade reserve

 
 

Updated German soldier's account: from the reserve into the battle

 
 

Updated Canadian Engineers prepare canal bridges for demolition

 
 

1st Brigade Canadian Field Artillery moves from the reserve

 
 

Updated The German XXVI. Reserve Korps reaches its first objective: Pilckem Ridge

 
 

10th Canadian Battalion moves forward from divisional reserve

 
 

Updated German account of the scene behind the advance

 
 

Updated 3rd Canadian Brigade and divisional artillery ordered to assist the French

 
 

14th Canadian Battalion moves to Mouse Trap Farm

 

 

Updated German 51. Reserve Division captures Langemarck

 
 

Updated Left of the Canadian line in danger of envelopment

 
 

Updated Canadian 3rd Brigade to be ready to counter-attack

 
 

Updated 1st Canadian Division's reserve battalions under orders to move at a moment's notice

 
 

New page Gassed civilians arrive at a British Casualty Clearing Station

 
 

New page The Germans capture four British heavy guns in Kitchener's Wood

 
 

The German advance reaches the Yser Canal at Steenstraat and Het Sas

 
 

A German soldier's account on reaching the canal

 
  The defence by the Belgian 6th Division  
 

The French organise a counter-attack from Boesinghe

 
 

3rd Canadian Brigade requests support from 2nd Brigade

 
 

Response of Second British Army headquarters to the German attack

 
 

Response of the British 28th and 27th Divisions to the German attack

 
 

Updated The French counter-attack towards Pilckem

 
 

German 52. Reserve Division attacked south of Pilckem

 
 

Canadians report that enemy fire has slackened

 
 

Three gaps in the line between the Canadian Division and the Yser Canal

 
 

Updated 2nd Canadian Brigade Reserves Move to Assist 3rd Canadian Brigade

 
 

German XXVI. Reserve Korps ordered to hold its positions

 
 

German pause in the battle gives the Allies time to bring up reserves

 
 

German air reconnaisance reports on Allied reinforcements

 
 

Updated French attacked on Poelcappelle road but Canadian line holds firm

 
 

Updated 3rd Brigade Canadian Field Artillery batteries ordered to withdraw

 
 

The gallantry of Lance-Corporal Fisher, VC

 
 

Canadian Engineers preparing canal bridges for demolition

 
 

Updated 3rd Canadian Brigade to organise a counter-attack at Kitchener's Wood

 
 

Updated 10th and 16th Canadian Battalions ordered to counter-attack at 11.30pm

 
 

Updated The Canadians begin the counter-attack at Kitchener's Wood

 
 

The French order troops to move from the Army reserve

 
 

The British Town Major prepares for a withdrawal from Ypres

 
 

Updated Allied losses by the end of the day

 
 

Updated German gains by the end of the day

 

Part Two - (to be continued)

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