Battle of Bellewaarde Ridge

On May 24 the Germans released a gas attack that hit Shell Trap Farm and to the area around the north west, which was affected the most by the attack. A report of the event by Captain Thomas J Leahy, of the 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers, shows that their C.O Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Loveband was suspecting a gas attack and had warned all Company officers. Later the Germans threw up red lights over their trench, which would signal a gas release.

We had only just time to get our respirators on before the gas was over us.

- Captain Thomas J Leahy

GermanThe German Empire, also referred to as Imperial Germany, the Second Reich, as well as simply Germany, was the period of the German Reich from the unification of Germany in 1871 until the November Revolution in 1918, when the German Reich changed its form of government from a monarchy to a republic. During its 47 years of existence, the German Empire became the industrial, technological, and scientific giant of Europe.German forces managed to advance and occupy the British Britain The British Empire, was composed of the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. At its height it was the largest empire in history and, for over a century, was the foremost global power. By the start of the 20th century, Germany and the United States had begun to challenge Britain's economic lead.British line to north and left of the Battalion. The Battalion was now under heavy fire from the German forces. But with shellfire and the aid from the 9th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders they managed to hold their trenches to the end.

Germans advancing under cover of enfilade fire, in small parties, finally occupied Battalion line by 2.30pm. Shelling ceased but rifle and M.G. fire remained accurate and constant, whenever a target presented itself, until dusk.

- The War Diary

Although British troops defended against initial German attacks, they were eventually forced to retreat north and south. Failed British counter-attacks forced a British retreat 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) northwards. At the end of the battle, the Ypres salient was 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) deep.

HISTORY

World War I (1914-1918)

BATTLES

A world war is a war involving many or most of the world's most powerful and populous countries. World War I (WWI or WW1), also known as the First World War, or the Great War, was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. More than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, were mobilized in one of the largest wars in history.