The Third Battle of Ypres (often called Passchendaele) reached its grimmest stages in late 1917. After months of fighting through mud and rain. After months of fighting through mud and rain, Allied commanders hoped to capture the ruins of Passchendaele village and the high ground beyond. The Canadian Corps took over operations and planned three limited attacks. The second phase, carried out on 30 October 1917, involved two divisions advancing along the ridge towards Passchendaele.

Despite relentless artillery fire and deep shell-holes filled with water, the Canadians pushed forward. They seized the strategically important Goudberg Spur but suffered heavy casualties in the process. Among the soldiers was Private James Peter Robertson, who single-handedly charged a machine-gun nest and was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously. By the time the final phase ended on 6 November, the village lay in ruins and the ridge was a sea of mud strewn with corpses.

Modern visitors to Tyne Cot Cemetery near Zonnebeke can see the names of thousands of missing soldiers, including many Canadians, on the memorial wall. The nearby Passchendaele Museum 1917 provides an immersive experience of the battle through reconstructed trenches and audiovisual displays. Strolling through the serene cemetery and museum gardens today, it is hard to imagine the shell-torn landscape that confronted soldiers in October 1917.

Commemorating the second phase of Passchendaele on 30 October encourages us to reflect on the determination and sacrifice of those who fought through the Flanders mud. Their efforts eventually secured the ridge, a costly gain that later served as a launching point for the final Hundred Days Offensive.Allied commanders hoped to capture the ruins of Passchendaele village and the high ground beyond. The Canadian Corps took over operations and planned three limited attacks. The second phase, carried out on 30 October 1917, involved two divisions advancing along the ridge towards Passchendaele.

The harsh conditions tested the resilience of the troops as they navigated the treacherous terrain. Despite the challenges, their bravery led to significant strategic advancements in the region. The remnants of the battlefield serve as a poignant reminder of the high cost of war. Today, visitors honor the legacy of those who fought, ensuring their stories are not forgotten. The Passchendaele Memorial Museum   exhibits highlight personal accounts, allowing a deeper understanding of the human experience during one of history’s most brutal conflicts.

At Visit Flanders Fields, we offer your WW1 experience. Book your journey today.