1917 was New Zealand's greatest-ever human catastrophe. On 12 October 1917 in just two hours, more than 2800 New Zealand soldiers were killed or wounded or listed as missing. As the population of the country was only about one million, this had a huge national impact. Passchendaele is also significant for the Flanders poppy which has become a national icon and a symbol of remembrance.
Passchendaele, known today as Passendale, is a village in Belgium. It is a long way from New Zealand. During World War 1 it was on the Western Front where German and Allied soldiers fought to break through each other’s trench lines. In 1917 New Zealand soldiers fought in two of several battles to try to advance the Allied line so the Allies could capture the high ground of Passchendaele from the Germans. Passchendaele was New Zealand’s greatest human catastrophe. It affected more Kiwi families than any other single event in history.
Passchendaele was important to New Zealand identity, culture and organisation. It helped Kiwis develop a sense of themselves as a nation. Although New Zealand soldiers were asked to do the impossible, none fought more bravely than them.
Passchendaele was an important place and environment. Its mud and carnage became a symbol for the horror of war. The area around it was one of the most shelled places on the planet. Today farmers still dig up skeletons and weapons – the harvest of bones and the harvest of iron. Many Kiwi soldiers lie in unmarked graves.
Passchendaele was and is an example of continuity and change. The battles there were events with causes and results. The ideas and actions of New Zealand’s heroes at Passchendaele helped shape and continue to help shape New Zealand society.
Author description
Ruth is an experienced social studies teacher and the author of numerous social studies publications.
Table of contents
CONTENTS:
Western Front
Flanders
Ypres
Ypres Salient
Passchendaele
How Battles Got Named
New Zealand Division
A Group of Specialists
Leaders of New Zealanders
Girls and Women Help
Haig’s Plan
Telling Their Story
Impact on the Environment
Trenches
Results of Life in a Trench
Feeding Soldiers
Weapons
Gas and Pillboxes
Stretcher-Bearers
New Zealand Division moves to Ypres Salient
Plan for Battle of Broodseinde
October 4 Attack
Results of Broodseinde
Eyes on Passchendaele
New Zealanders Get Ready
The Gun Problem
First Passchendaele, October 12
Why Passchendaele is Important
The Human Cost
Other Results of October 12
Passchendaele is Part of our Culture and Heritage
How Passchendaele is Remembered in Belgium
How Passchendaele is Remembered in New Zealand
