SAINT GEORGE'S EVE—
YPRES, 1915
146
The Ypres Times.
respirator was made up locally for the troops. A gas attack against Hill 60 on the 1st
May was foiled by the Dorsets and Devons, and one on the 2nd May against the 4th
Division south of St. Julien was repelled with heavy loss to the Germans. But as the
French did not recover the ground they had lost, the British on 4th May withdrew to a
smaller circle round Ypres, extending only 2i miles out to Frezenberg.
The decision "of the British Government to employ poison gas dates back to the 3rd May,
when Lord Kitchener gave instructions for the preparation of retaliatory measures. The
first consignment of gas cylinders reached France in mid-July, 1915.
Thenceforward the whole aspect of chemical warfare received the careful attention
of British G.H.Q., but it was not until the 20th May that a small number of gas helmets
(impregnated flannel bag with mica window) were issued. A central laboratory was estab
lished near St. Omer, and Special Companies of the Royal Engineers formed, under
the command of Lieut.-Colonel C. H. Foulkes, R.E., for experimental and research work.
The chlorine gas (the first used) was contained in steel cylinders, similar to those already
in commercial use for transport purposes. They were placed in recesses below the firing
step of the front parapet of the fire trenches. A flexible pipe connected the cylinder
with an ordinary half-inch iron pipe, eight to ten feet long, laid on the top of the parapet
towards the enemy's trenches. The cylinder was worked on the principle of a soda-water
syphon, and on opening the cock, the gas came out in the form of steam, turning a
yellowish brown colour a few feet from the pipe.
By the 19th September, 1915, nearly six thousand cylinders containing a total of
180 tons of chlorine gas were in France. The gas discharge at the Battle of Loos was
effective, but not so effectivé as it might have been owing to a change in direction and the
weakness of the wind. The Germans, however, had been caught up, and henceforward
the British had very decidedly the best of gas warfare and made their enemies heartily
wish they had never begun it.
St. George for EnglandStand!
The blood red cross upheld in thy strong
hand,
Appeal to God.
The way of suffering after Him you trod.
Now Britain lead
This hour of fearful need.
St. George for EnglandHold!
All battle anguish here endured the bold.
From Hell to-day,
The fumes evoked that suffocate and slay,
No stroke can meet,
No warrior defeat.
St. George for EnglandPraise!
The Race that trod the ages in thy ways
Still guards our lands.
Amid the dead, a little remnant stands
The foe repelled,
The blood-bought Salient held.
Beatrix Brice.
