The Second Battle of Ypres is a historically significant

event for a number of reasons. The foremost reason is the usage

of gas as a chemical weapon. It also was the time where, for the
first time, Canada was recognized as a nation and where many
lives of soldiers, from both the allies and the germans, were lost.
At around five o’clock in the afternoon of April 22nd, 1915, a cloud
of uncanny greenish-yellow gas appeared over the trenches to the
left of the Canadians where the French troops were positioned.
This would be the first successful use of chemical warfare ever
recorded. The Germans had released over 5700 cylinders of
extremely dangerous chlorine gas. This event opened the eyes of
the rest of the world and made them aware of the power and
devastation chemical weapons have the potential to cause. “It is
a cowardly form of warfare which does not commend itself to me
or other English soldiers.... We cannot win this war unless we kill
or incapacitate more of our enemies than they do of us, and if this
can only be done by our copying the enemy in his choice of
weapons, we must not refuse to do so.” (Kiester, Edwin; et al.,
14). This was said by a Canadian commander and it shows just
how fast the development as well as the advancement of
chemical weapons was. Soon after, the allies had created a gas
of their own, mustard gas, which was far more lethal and would
be used later on in the war. Initially, the canadian troops had to
urinate on their handkerchiefs and press them against their faces
but advancements were later made and breathing masks were
created. After the gas attack, the allies were vulnerable for a 4
mile spread along the frontline. The Germans began advancing
towards the gap and it was up to the Canadian battalion to fend
them off. They fought hard despite being plagued with weapon
malfunctions and having to cover their faces the best they could
to prevent being killed by the gas. The Ross rifles they were
carrying jammed and they were forced to fight with only their
bayonets. The Canadians successfully defended the gap and
gained a considerable amount of respect from both the allies, and
the Germans (who did not counter-attack). They were finally
recognized as a nation apart from “Mother England.” In
successfully stalemating the battle, the Germans could not
advance towards the river which would have cut off 50 000 british
troops as well as supplies. Ypres was a main transportation hub
which no side could utilize. This historic battle which saw much
bloodshed and loss of life was one which saw the first usage of
chemical weapons and one that gave Canada and Canadians a
tremendous amount of respect as well as the occasion to be
recognized as a nation. The second battle of Ypres was the worst
battle fought by First Canadian Division throughout the war, yet
was the starting point of a strong reputation of Canadian troops
during the war. The British War Office once said that, "The
Canadians...undoubtedly saved the situation" (G.W. Larkin and J.P.
Matresky, pg18).