2015 - $20 -1 oz Fine Silver Gold-Plated Coin - First World War Battlefront The Battle of Neuchatel

# B490

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First World War Battlefront The Battle of Neuchate

"Our men in the trenches describe this fire as being the most tremendous both on point of noise and in actual effect they have ever seen or heard." -- Ernest Swinton

At 7:30 a.m. on March 10, 1915, the offensive began. In an effort to tie down enemy troops on the left flank of the British assault, Canadian guns located between Fleurbaix and Laventie began shelling the enemy's front lines. By 9 a.m., British troops had captured Neuve-Chapelle, but the destruction of communication lines halted their progress as they waited for the order to advance.

Attacks and counter-attacks waged on through March 11th and 12th, with little new ground gained. A shortage of ammunition also hampered efforts, limiting the amount of retaliatory fire which the Canadian and British gunners could fire in support of the infantry. Finally on March 13th, the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle was postponed then halted. The Allies had gained a 2-kilometre advance, but at the cost of 12,892 Allied men including 100 Canadians.

While Canada's role at Neuve-Chapelle was a supportive one, providing a feint to the British assault, it nonetheless proved to be a valuable learning experience for the men of the CEF. Coming under fire, these citizen soldiers were steadfast despite being newcomers to trench warfare. Canadians had proved their mettle in this initial outing, and would only add to that reputation six weeks later with their remarkable courage at Ypres.

A poignant commemoration of the contributions made by members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) at the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle in 1915 during the First World War.

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