Use of Gas

[Terry Waters-Marsh]

When was gas first used on the Western Front in WW1?

[Londonwhay]

When was gas first used on the Western Front in WW1?Hi Terry, I googled and found this:

Mustard Gas (Yperite) was first used by the German Army in September 1917

from here: http://members.fortunecity.se/mikaelxii/ww1/Mustard.html

Glenda

[Annie]

Hi Terry
The Germans used chlorine gas on 22nd April 1915 near Langemarck, try this link
http://www.1914-1918.net/specialcoyre.htm

Annie

[Londonwhay]

Hi Terry
The Germans used chlorine gas on 22nd April 1915 near Langemarck, try this link
http://www.1914-1918.net/specialcoyre.htm

Annie
I promise to Google harder next time. :o

Glenda

[peter nicholl]

Hi Terry
Liddell Hart's A History of the World War says that the Germans tried mixing nose and eye irritants with shrapnel shells in the Neuve Chapelle sector on October 27, 1914 and as has already been said , they developed them until they started in earnest against the French at Ypres on April 22, 1915. Try the long-long trail site to see where the various elements of the Somerset Light Infantry were in 1915-16 and from there the site may have the Regiments War Diaries, or if not they may be available at Documents on Line. I've found several references to Killed in Action, or Presumed Dead that way. But make sure you have the tissues close to hand!

Peter

[Terry Waters-Marsh]

Hi Terry
Liddell Hart's A History of the World War says that the Germans tried mixing nose and eye irritants with shrapnel shells in the Neuve Chapelle sector on October 27, 1914 and as has already been said , they developed them until they started in earnest against the French at Ypres on April 22, 1915. Try the long-long trail site to see where the various elements of the Somerset Light Infantry were in 1915-16 and from there the site may have the Regiments War Diaries, or if not they may be available at Documents on Line. I've found several references to Killed in Action, or Presumed Dead that way. But make sure you have the tissues close to hand!

Peter
Thanks Peter,

I was actually at that web site when your posting came through. I have narrowed my search down to the 20th Light Division from that site and am researching further. They arrived in France at the same time as my great-uncle's medal card says he landed in France but it appears the only major battle they engaged in was the Battle of Loos in September 1915 before my great-uncle was discharged in March 1916. Stay tuned, the story is not finished yet!

[peter nicholl]

Hi Terry
I had a Senior Moment!! It was only after my last message that I realised that one of the blokes I had been looking for had served with the Rifle Brigade and had been killed on 19 December 1914 ( one day after his cousin had been killed a few miles away, while serving with the Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment). Anyway, the point is that this action on the 19 was at a place called Ploegsteert, 12.5 km South of Ypres. It involved the 11th Brigade and an attempt to "straighten out a bight in the line". Fighting alongside the Rifle Brigade were elements of the SLI. The action failed. It's a Small (but sad) World.
Peter