The Allied front line broken — the way to Ypres open
22 April 1915: 17.30
A message telephoned later in the evening from General Foch, commander of the Groupe Provisoire du Nord, to the French Commander-in-Chief, General Joffre, confirmed that the withdrawal of the French troops from their front line positions, due to the devastating effects of the gas, was halted at about 5.30pm.(1)
By 5.30pm the German infantry had broken through the Allied front line. This swift German breakthrough into the French-held sector had created a large gap of about 3.5 kilometres between Steenstraat and the left of the 3rd Canadian Brigade's front line position south west of Poelcappelle.
In the words of General Foch, “La route d'Ypres était libre” — the way to Ypres was open.(2)
Next>> A company of 7th Canadian Battalion moves from 2nd Brigade reserve
Acknowledgements
(1) Les Armées Françaises dans la Grande Guerre, Tome II, Troisième Partie, Annexes, 2. Volume, Annex no. 1422
(2) Les Armées Françaises dans la Grande Guerre, Tome II, Troisième Partie, Annexes, Annexes, 2. Volume, Annex no. 1422