Yellow cloud north of Ypres

Background

April 1915 saw the first use of poisoned gas on the western front, as the Germans attacked north of Ypres in their efforts to break through to the coast. This new weapon was far more successful than the German High Command had anticipated, with the French 87th Territorial Division in particular sent reeling as men fled from this 'choking horror'. Some introductory historical information on Second Ypres can be found here and here.

British MMG crew in 'anti-phosgene' gas masks: these were certainly not available to the French and Canadian troops that bore the brunt of the initial German gas attacks in 1915.

Designer's notes

This fictional scenario is set in the days that followed that first attack. Both sides face each other from hastily dug entrenchments, with no wire for further protection (such has been the speed of the advance the day before), and the German High Command determined to continue with its offensive: they must break through and reach the Channel.

Both armies sit astride a canal, with the British holding the nearest bridge, but having been forced off the high ground that would have protected it, towards the end of fighting the day before. The German command sees the need to take the bridge, and the commanding high ground beyond, as a platform for its next major push.

The British divisional commander fears that his troops too will be subject to more gas attacks, and his troops are fearful as they recall the tales of terror, and the sorry sights of troops stumbling from the battlefield suffering from exposure to the deadly chlorine gas.

Scenario notes:

1. The canal is crossable to infantry and MMGs only at any point other than the bridge, taking one full turn to cross.
2. All entrenchments are light entrenchments only.
3. Wave attacks need not be enforced.
4. Players may wish to consider using the counter battery rules posted to the Great War Spearhead official web page. Look under "New and optional rules".
5. Victory points are awarded as follows:

Orders of Battle

• The British OOB can be downloaded here
• The German OOB can be downloaded here