Battle Profile: Second battle of Ypres and the Somme

By: Nour, Jinha, Rachel

Who:Ypres:

The CanadiansThe French Vs The Germans

Somme:

French Army The BritishThe Germans

Germans

What/How:Ypres:

First use of poison gas(The Mustard gas and the chlorine gas) by the Germans(1915)

Somme: “The Big Push” the French and British teamed up to drain the German reserve forces although territorial gain also was important. On the first day 57,470 people died from the British. Even though they lost many casualties the Germans lost 419,654 casualties. The offensive was eventually called off. Biggest massacre in military history.

When/Where:

Ypres:

Battle in 1914, 1915 and the Major battle in July 31st 1917 in Ypres, Belgium.

Somme:

Battle on July 1st 1916 in Somme, France.

Why:Ypres: The Germans were in Belgium. Britain came to where the Germans had blocked off the canal from their location to Britain and they started to battle.

Somme:

To drain the German reserve forces although territorial gain also was important.

Why these battles are important:

The first time Chemical Gas 1915 was used. The Germans released the gas from a can and hoped that the wind would carry it towards the enemy.