forward,
again suffering terrible losses, gaining one thousand metres at a cost of 2,300
casualties. Currie took six days to organize reinforcements and make preparations
for the next assault. Field artillery was moved forward and Currie promised the
men that he would do everything possible to “clear the way” for their
final assault.
On November 6, with fresh troops Currie had rotated into the battle, the Canadians
began |
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the final push, with the objective of taking Passchendaele village – though,
ironically, virtually nothing was left there but shell holes and the remnants
of shattered buildings. Casualties were again high, but on November 10, the Canadians
(Second Brigade) took the town and Passchendaele Ridge. On November 14, the Canadian
Corps was replaced by British troops. Haig’s command was saved and the
Canadians had, once again, succeeded: but at what cost and for what benefit?
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Canadians carrying
trench mats
Soldiers had to lay paths of wooden walkways over the
thick mud and water-filled shell holes of Passchendaele. |
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