Why was the battle of Messines important?
The battle of Messines fought on 7 June 1917 was the first large-scale action involving Australian troops in Belgium and it also marked the entry of the 3rd Division into a major battle. Messines was an important success for the British Army leading up to the beginning of the Third Battle of Ypres several weeks later.
How many Germans were killed at Messines?
10,000 German troops
German trench destroyed by the explosion of a mine in the Battle of Messines. Approximately 10,000 German troops were killed when the mines were simultaneously detonated at 3.10 a.m. on 7 June 1917.
Who started the battle of Messines?
Three British corps were to make the attack on Messines Ridge, including II Anzac Corps at the southernmost point. The battle commenced a few minutes after 3am on 7 June. It started with the detonation of 19 mines under the German trenches, which tunnellers had secretly dug over the previous year.
How many Australians died in the Messines?
Regarded a triumph, Messines also marked the first major battle for the 3rd Australian Division under Major General John Monash. Two of his men, Private John Carroll and Captain Robert Grieve, won the Victoria Cross during the fighting. Despite the success, the battle cost 6,000 Australian casualties.
What happened at the battle of Messines?
The British attack at Messines on 7 June opened with the explosion of the mines, causing a virtual earthquake that immediately killed as many as 10,000 German soldiers. A hurricane bombardment by 2,000 guns preceded the advance of nine British and Australian infantry divisions, which proved a complete success.
Why did the battle of Messines start?
Messines Ridge, located south of Ypres, was captured by German forces in 1914. The ridge granted the German Army a dominant position overlooking the Ypres salient. After years of suffering heavy casualties in the salient, in 1917 the Allies planned to break out. The first move was to capture the Messines Ridge.
How long did the battle of Messines last?
The battle began with the detonation of 19 mines beneath the German front position, which devastated it and left 19 large craters….Battle of Messines (1917)
| Date | 7–14 June 1917 |
|---|---|
| Location | Messines (now Mesen), West Flanders, Belgium 50°45′45″N 02°53′43″E |
| Result | British victory |
Who won Battle of Messines?
British victory
Battle of Messines (1917)
| Date | 7–14 June 1917 |
|---|---|
| Location | Messines (now Mesen), West Flanders, Belgium 50°45′45″N 02°53′43″E |
| Result | British victory |
| Territorial changes | Messines–Wytschaete Ridge re-captured |
How many people died at the battle of Messines?
With the Messines Ridge in British hands, the focus of attention now moved to the breakout from the Ypres salient. Losses: British, 17,000 casualties of 216,000; German, 25,000 of 126,000.