Battle Studies The Second Battle of Ypres 1915

Gas cloud trial continually postponed

During the first two weeks of March the whole of the XV. Corps front was gradually prepared for the trial gas attack. The work was done under cover of darkness each night by the men of Gasregiment Peterson. By 10 March 6,000 gas cylinders had been dug into position. Along the length of the XV. Corps frontage the gas was ready to be used in an attack.

However, once the cylinders and the troops were ready to put the gas cloud to the test the wind conditions were not at all favourable. For the next two weeks the wind rarely blew from the south or south-east. During the prolonged period of waiting some of the gas cylinders were damaged by enemy shell-fire. A number of German soldiers were gassed, some of whom died from its lethal effects on them.

Acknowledgements

Gas! The Battle for Ypres 1915

Copyright Joanna Legg & Graham Parker © 2002 All rights reserved