16.4.3

The Story of Algerian Troops

Test yourself

The Story of Algerian Troops

The Algerian troops, fighting for the French, also experienced poor conditions and bad equipment. They particularly experienced this at Ypres in 1915 AD when the Germans used chlorine gas.

Illustrative background for StalemateIllustrative background for Stalemate ?? "content

Stalemate

  • In Spring 1915 AD, a Stalemate had begun on the Western Front; neither side could break it.
  • Both sides had dug trenches to defend themselves but they were difficult to attack.
  • Neither the Allies nor the Central Powers could advance or have decisive victories.
Illustrative background for The French armyIllustrative background for The French army ?? "content

The French army

  • The French army was supported by troops from Algeria and Morocco.
    • Part of the French empire was in Northern Africa.
Illustrative background for German tactics at YpresIllustrative background for German tactics at Ypres ?? "content

German tactics at Ypres

  • At Ypres, the Germans tried a new tactic to break the stalemate.
  • On 22 April 1915 AD, they began shelling the trenches.
  • Then, they release a new weapon - chlorine gas.
    • Chlorine gas attacks the tissue and membrane of the throat and membrane of the throat and mouth.
    • It can cause deadly coughing fits and temporary blindness.
Illustrative background for No gas masksIllustrative background for No gas masks ?? "content

No gas masks

  • At this stage in the war there were no gas masks in the equipment for the allied troops near Ypres, who were mainly Algerian and Moroccan.
Illustrative background for The Algerian troops were overwhelmedIllustrative background for The Algerian troops were overwhelmed ?? "content

The Algerian troops were overwhelmed

  • Algerian troops were based in the area of the Western Front where the Algerian troops were based.
  • Those who didn't escape the gas in the trenches were then killed by German shells and rifles as they emerged from the trenches.
Illustrative background for Gas affected wildlifeIllustrative background for Gas affected wildlife ?? "content

Gas affected wildlife

  • Chlorine gas didn't just kill and injure the humans in the area but also affected the wildlife on the Western Front.
    • Birds and rats all died in the areas gas was released.
Illustrative background for Mortalities and injuriesIllustrative background for Mortalities and injuries ?? "content

Mortalities and injuries

  • At Ypres on 22 April 1915 AD, 6,000 men were killed by chlorine gas.
Illustrative background for The impact of gas upon the warIllustrative background for The impact of gas upon the war ?? "content

The impact of gas upon the war

  • The use of chlorine gas at Ypres in 1915 AD enabled the Germans to advance through a four-mile wide gap and advance 2 miles into allied territory.
Illustrative background for Forgotten armyIllustrative background for Forgotten army ?? "content

Forgotten army

  • Similarly to Ganga Singh, the experience of the Algerians in the second battle of Ypres shows how poorly equipped some of the forgotten armies were whilst fighting in the trenches.
  • Despite the poor conditions and inferior equipment, the Algerians continued to bravely fight for the allied troops.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium