D-Day
...ith its own landing zone, "Juno," alongside British and American landing zones. drive Germans from Belgian coast and break out of Ypres salient Planning and preparation - Fortnights’ heavy bombardment that preceded the ‘surprise attack had devastated the network of drains and dikes that prevented the area from becoming a swamp. Meteorological reports had disclosed that heavy rain was a feature of August weather. Battle: 31st July Haig launched the third battle of Ypres - Fifth army under Gough Gough made 2 attacks in August - disastrous, reported to Haig that tactical success unlikely. Heightened tensions between military under Haig & George’s civilian administration Replaced by Plumer: organised set-piece battles for September. Aided by weather. The third attack, in October, afforded a passage on to part of Passchendale ridge. Plumer & Gough - offensive should be halted - Belgian ports could not be reached before winter Haig: wanted control of Passchendale ridge - more easily defended line for winter. Campaign in early October to early November, h...