ABC Wednesday Y is for Ypres

During the First World War the Belgian town of Ypres, known to the British Tommies as ‘Wipers’, was subject to sustained battles between the Allies and the Germans. Under almost constant bombardment it was virtually obliterated.

It stood in the way of Germany’s plans to travel from the north across Belgium and into France. Belgium was neutral but when it was invaded by Germany the British entered the war.

The Third Battle of Ypres, better known as the Battle of Passchendaele, was perhaps the costliest in terms of losses. There were nearly half a million casualties on all sides after months of fighting in which just a few miles of ground were secured by the Allies.

Adolf Hitler fought in this battle and was injured when caught in a British gas attack. Would history have been different had he been killed?

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‘The Late War’ by D H Lawrence

The War was not strife

it was murder

each side trying to murder the other side

evilly.

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‘Reconciliation’ by Siegfried Sassoon

When you are standing at your hero’s grave,

or near some homeless village where he died,

Remember, through your heart’s rekindling pride,

The German soldiers who were loyal and brave.

Men fought like brutes; and hideous things were done;

And you have nourished hatred, harsh and blind.

But in that Golgotha perhaps you’ll find

The mothers of the men who killed your son.

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