The Ypres Salient

1914-1918 Reference

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The Second Battle of Ypres, 1915

The Second Battle of Ypres, as it is known in British military history, encompassed four battles in the northern sector of the Ypres Salient. The first of these began on 22 April 1915 as a surprise attack by the German 4th Army on the Allied front line.

This attack witnessed the first use of a new German weapon on the Western Front: poisonous gas. Its deadly effect was carried on a gentle breeze towards French troops and as a result of its devastating effect on the French the German infantry made a significant advance into Allied territory.

During the next four weeks the Allied Forces of Belgium, France and Britain fought to hold off the successful German advance and to regain the ground that had been lost north of Ypres. The fourth battle ended on 25 May 1915.

The text, maps and images for this Battle Study have been compiled by Joanna Legg.

Prelude January to April 1915 (44 pages) The Prelude describes the build-up to the Second Battle of Ypres. Viewed from the German and the Allied perspectives it covers the period from January 1915 to 5.00pm on 22 April 1915. The Battle of Gravenstafel Ridge 22 and 23 April 1915 (54 pages) Part One - 22nd April: 17.00 hours - 24.00 hours 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. Part Two - 23rd April: 00.00 hours - 04.00 hours (work in progress) The second part of the battle study will cover the counter-attack by two battalions of the 1st Canadian Division at Kitchener's Wood. It will feature the experiences of German troops translated from regimental histories. The Battle of St. Julien  (24 April to 4 May 1915) The Battle of Frezenberg Ridge  (8 to 13 May 1915) The Battle of Bellewaerde Ridge  (24 and 25 May 1915)

Read the story from both sides of the wire. Navigate the battle studies using the Map and Timeline windows.

Bibliography

Reference works used to research this battle study are included in the bibliography. Acknowledgements to reference sources are given as appropriate at the bottom of the Battle Study pages.

Copyright

The format and content of the Battle Study is copyrighted to Joanna Legg and Graham Parker. Material not owned by the authors of this site has been acknowledged and permission sought as appropriate.