Hell in Flanders Fields: Canadians at the Second Battle of Ypres

by George H. Cassar

On 22 April 1915, the men of the 1st Canadian Division faced chlorine gas, a new lethal weapon against which they had no defence. In defiance of a particularly horrible death, or, at the very least, severe lung injury, these untested Canadians fought almost continuously for four days, often hand-to-hand, as they clung stubbornly against overwhelming odds to a vital part of the Allied line after the French units on their left fled in panic. By doing so, they saved 50,000 troops in the Ypres salient from almost certain destruction, and, in addition, prevented the momentum of the war from tipping in favour of the Germans.

In this new, deeply researched account, the distinguished military historian George H. Cassar skillfully blends into the history of the battle the graphic and moving words of the men on the front line. Illustrated with outstanding photographs and numerous maps, and drawing from diaries, letters, and documents from every level of planning, Hell in Flanders Fields is an authoritative, gripping drama of politics, strategy, and human courage.

Genres: History, War

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

A specialist in modern British military history, George Harris Cassar is professor of history emeritus at Eastern Michigan University, where he taught from 1968 until his retirement in 2018. He earned his bachelor's (1962) and master's )1963) degrees at the University New Brunswick and his doctorate in philosophy (1968) from McGill University.

Reviews

[Duncan Maccoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read account of bravery and incompetance. Well done Cassar, this is an exception bit of research and fantastic writing.

[Stephen Epp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read. No matter how many books I read or podcasts I listen to about WW1, every time I think about how horrific a human experience this must have been and the blatant waste of life. Rushing into machine gun fire after watching other lines of your fellow soldier just get mowed down just doesn’t compute. Living multiple days in a mud hole with dead people all around you knowing that if you stood up you’d be shot, horrible! Makes me very grateful to be born in 1986 and not 1886. Also enjoyed the connection that I live 500m from Currie Barracks and there is a light post sign with General Currie on it just down the street. Currie played a prominent role in this book and battle.

[Dimitri Church]

good

[Kerstin Ivonne Sy Tieng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I first signed it out from the Toronto Public Library, I couldn't put it down. I saw the devastating impact of the first world war, and how Canada became part of it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. my grandfather survived this battle and it was stunning to read about what he went through.