Ww1 Battle Report

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Part A: Battle Report When did the battle occur? From as early as December 1915, Australian, British and Canadian miners had been digging an intricate tunnel system under the enemy’s front line. A seven day preliminary bombardment was also conducted to put pressure on the enemy before the infantry assault. At 3:10 a.m. on the 7th June 1917 massive explosions erupted. The Allies advanced quickly although the German resistance of this battle was not fully extinguished until the 11th of June 1917. Where did the battle occur? The battle occured on the Western Front near the village of Messines. Messines is situated in Belgian’s West Flanders. The main objective of the allies was to claim Wyschaete-Messines Ridge, the high ground south of Ypres. …show more content…

Through the cloud of dust, and after a perfectly placed barrage, the Allies advanced and by 3:50am the New Zealanders where on the crest of the ridge. The 3rd Australian division suffered badly with an attack using phosgene shells causing 500 men to be gassed and temporarily put out of action and hundreds of others who fell to shrapnel wounds. Despite the few setbacks, the Allies advanced quickly with the German frontlines being taken in just 3 hours. All objectives were secured within twelve hours of the initial explosion. The German troops launched a counter-attack which was managed and the remaining German resistance was extinguished on the 11th of June. Outcome of Battle The battle was a major success for the allies as they gained control of the higher land, near Messines in the Ypres Salient. The Allies suffered a total of 24,562 casualties from the 1-12th June and the Germans had surprisingly slightly less, recorded as 22,988 from the 1-10th June. Also, four Victoria Crosses were awarded to soldiers for acts of outstanding bravery. They were awarded to Private John Carrol (Australia), Captain Robert Grieve (Australia), Lance-Corporal Sam Frickleton (New Zealand) and Private William Ratcliffe