100 years ago - unbelievable bravery

[browningautorifle]

the gas attack took place in 1915 and not 100 years ago (1914)

A technical point of course. We round figures in discussions about this sort of thing all the time. We mean no detraction from the heroes that fell or survived. Both my regiments of service were in these battles. We had it on our battle honors...

[Gil Boyd]

Jim,
You certainly did mate and what a contribution Canadian troops made then and now

[Paul S.]

Jim,
You certainly did mate and what a contribution Canadian troops made then and now

Indeed. 15th Battalion CEF (48th Highlanders) were adjacent to the French Colonials in the Ypres line when the gas attack came. The French Colonials broke and ran. Then Highlanders held the line and paid dearly in blood - 70 per cent casualties according to most historical reports.

[browningautorifle]

Also the 16th which was my second unit. They stood fast during the attack in Kitchener's woods beside the 10th Calgary.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kitcheners'_Wood

My first unit, P.P.C.L.I. was also gassed on several occasions... www.canadiansoldiers.com

[Paul S.]

The Canadian 1st Division had only been in France a few months before 2nd Ypres having come over from England in February. Their Battalion War Diaries tell of the usual rota of trench, rest, etc. with only a few casualties from shelling, etc. before the battle. Facing, enduring and successfully fighting an battle such as 2nd Ypres - first mass gas attack and a major German offensive with the limited front line experience they had proves the qualities they possessed.

[Gil Boyd]

63,322 casualties. When I visit, as often I do the Canadian War Memorial over there, I meet the kids that are seconded there, who undergo a fairly stiff knowledge test to get a placement, which makes me wonder a number of things that we Brits take for granted and I don't mean to generalise.
I watch the Firemen every night at 8pm exactly playing last post at the Menin Gate in Ypres as well, and wonder why?............we Brits do nothing of the like anywhere, except on one day of the year 11th November. Perhaps I know the answer before asking......
Hope this link helps to confirm Canadian losses for you, what a sacrifice
World War I Canadian Dead - Canada at War
BE PROUD, BE VERY PROUD LEST WE FORGET

[browningautorifle]

Brits do nothing of the like anywhere

You ain't the only ones my brother...I went to work one day ten years ago and wished a co-worker a "Happy Vimy ridge day" and she looked at me and said"What's that?"..."What's Vimy ridge?"...I guess the look was right because she started stuttering and apologizing right away. What would you expect though? She was only in her 30's...for f*ck sakes!

[Gil Boyd]

Jim,
One spot, Hell Corner on the ridge, a spot where the two opposing trenches are no more than 40 feet apart, with a concreted pill box on both sides with a slit, and from there they used to chuck grenades at each other...............unbelieveable

[browningautorifle]

A spot noted in virtually everyone's regimental history, if their unit was there.

[mike webb]

I have read a few accounts of Canadian units during the first German gas attack in Ypres. One Canadian who was there said, "We were green as grass. If we had known anything about war we would have run as well. They told us to stay where we were and stay we did."