Marking A Sombre 100th

   Today marks the 100th anniversary of the 2nd battle of Ypres in the First World War. It also marked the first time poison chlorine gas was used in modern warfare. It was released by the Germans, and drifted over French and Canadian positions. While a French position (made up of colonial Algerians) crumbled, the Canadian line wavered, but held firm.
   The cost: 6 thousand Canadian casualties, including 2 thousand dead. When the battle finally ended in May, 10 Victoria Crosses had been awarded, including 4 to Canadians.
   It was not the last time poisoned gas was used. Both sides made use of gas canisters and shells to devastating effect right through the war. First with chlorine, then mustard gas. During the April, 1915 gas attack, Canadian soldiers were advised to urinate into their handkerchiefs, then hold it to their nose and mouth. Apparently, that counter-acted the chlorine gas.
   Later in the war, gas shells were fired by artillery on both side. Many of those unexploded shells still turn up on the battlefields of France and Belgium to this day, and will likely be found for many years to come.

TTFN.