10/28/2025
October 26, 1917:
2nd Battle of Passchendaele
The Canadian offensive began at Passchendaele and success was made possible due to acts of great individual heroism to get past spots of heavy enemy resistance. Advancing through the mud and enemy fire was slow and there were heavy losses. Despite the adversity, the Canadians reached the outskirts of Passchendaele by the end of a second attack on October 30 during a driving rainstorm.
On November 6, the Canadians and British launched the assault to capture the ruined village of Passchendaele itself. In heavy fighting, the attack went according to plan. The task of actually capturing the “infamous” village fell to the “City of Winnipeg” 27th Battalion and they took it that day. After weathering fierce enemy counterattacks, the last phase of the battle saw the Canadians attack on November 10 and clear the Germans from the eastern edge of Passchendaele Ridge. Canadian soldiers succeeded in the face of almost unbelievable challenges.
Over 650 Canadians died the first day.
Lest We Forget.
Photo: Wounded Canadian soldiers make their way over muddy terrain to an aid post during the Battle of Passchendaele, November 1917
