Gas! The Battle for Ypres, 1915

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A captivating history of World War One that details the first use of chemical weapons in modern warfare. By 1915, the Western Front was entrenched in stalemate, with soldiers from various nations, including Canada, Britain, India, France, Belgium, and Germany, facing each other in long trenches. German commanders aimed to break the deadlock with chlorine gas. At 5:00 PM on April 22, 1915, they released the gas from steel cylinders, marking the introduction of chemical warfare into the conflict. The yellow-green cloud swept into Allied trenches, causing widespread casualties as men succumbed to its toxic effects. By the end of the Second Battle of Ypres, thousands were dead or injured due to gas. Authors J. McWilliams and R. J. Steel meticulously recount this harrowing battle, shedding light on the experiences of the French Algerians who first encountered the gas, the Canadians who bravely held their ground, and the aspirations of the British and Indians during their ill-fated counterattacks. The narrative not only captures the perspectives of generals but also incorporates firsthand accounts from field commanders and soldiers in the trenches, providing a comprehensive view of these terrifying events.