What type of weapons hampered Canadian troops during the Second Battle of Ypres?

• A. Machine guns
• B. Flamethrowers
• C. Chlorine gas
• D. Artillery shells

Answer: (C)

During the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915, Canadian troops faced significant challenges due to the use of chlorine gas by German forces. This marked the first major use of chemical weapons in warfare, and the gas created a terrifying and lethal environment on the battlefield. Chlorine gas caused severe respiratory problems and suffering, rendering many soldiers unable to fight or even escape the effects of the gas. The wind carried the toxic gas, making it indiscriminate and difficult to protect against, especially for troops who lacked proper gas masks or protective gear at that time.

Moreover, the psychological impact of such an unconventional weapon contributed to the chaos and confusion during the battle, further hampering the effectiveness of the Canadian troops. The introduction of chemical weapons like chlorine gas changed the nature of warfare and necessitated new tactics for the defense and protection of soldiers in future engagements.