A Background

As soon as I get everything organized I will dive into a recounting of October 1917 and the start of the Battle of Passchendaele (for the Canadians.) But first I just want to give a little background history for those who don't know.

The offensive began on July 31st 1917 with the British suffering 32,000 casualities to gain 2000 yards. Over the month of August, continous shelling destroyed drainage canals and unseasonable heavy rains turned to area into a sea of mud. Throughout September, the Allies continued long scale attacks but only managed to gain a few thousand yards

By October 3rd, the British line overlooked the the the Passchendaele ridge. The next day the New Zealand Division, along with the Australians assualted Broodseinde Ridge. The attack was a dismal failure. 1000 prisoners were taken, 320 soldiers of the New Zealand Division were killed. The Allies gained 1000 metres.

On October 12th, the Allies attempted gain the area around Poelkapelle (a first attempt had failed.) Heavy rains made it difficult and artillery could not be brought closer due to the mud. A further 2,700 New Zelanders became casualities. At this time the Canadian Corps was moved up the line to replace the ANZAC forces. The date for the start of the assualt by the 3rd and 4th Divisions: October 26th.