Terrain
One of the most major factors in this battle was the terrain in which the struggle took place. Fought in the lowlands of Passchendaele, the depressed terrain allowed for severe flooding of the battlefield. Frequent artillery bombardments had destroyed the local drainage system and pierced the water table, helping flood the area. As well as creating mud and other issues, the flooding had drastically changed the terrain into a sea of mud. Needless to say, that had caused many problems for both sides of the battle. Lowered troop morale, loss of tanks, difficult travels, and more, were all partially caused due to the high water table of the region.
The battlefield of Passchendaele was riddled with multiple ridges, such as Passchendaele ridge and Pilckem ridge. Ridges had been commonly targeted as a high priority target, due to their elevation. From a ridge, one could set up effective barriers, as it is more difficult to advance uphill than across a flat surface. Ridges are also prime locations for snipers, artillery, and such support fire. They are in addition an important factor in scouting, due to the high elevation. "The bit of ridge so dearly held by the enemy was in the hands of the Canadians, and they had direct observation upon the enemy everywhere for miles around." (Sir David Watson, 1917). Knowledge of an enemy's location prevents ambushes, marks out artillery targets, and helps in producing a strategy.
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"As far as you could see, it was like an ocean of thick brown porridge."
-Robert Sheriff, 1968 |