The second battle of Ypres was the first time Canada was majorly involved in the war. In the first week of April 1915, the Canadian troops were moved from their sector to the Allied line in front of the City of Ypres. The Germans held the higher ground and were able to fire into the Allied trenches from the North, the South and the East. On the Canadians right were two British divisions, and on their left a French division, the 45th (Algerian). On April 22, the Germans wanted to remove the Salient by introducing chlorine gas. After an artillery bombardment, they released 160 tons of chlorine gas into a light northeast wind. The French defenses were destroyed leaving a 6.5 kilometer gap in the Allied line.
The Germans advanced 3.2 kilometers until they stopped. The Canadian troops went to close the gap. They made a counter-attack to drive the Germans out of Kitcheners Wood. The Canadians launched two more attacks against the German positions and little ground was gained. The Germans decided to launched another deadly bombardment and a gas attack directed at the Canadian lines. The terrible fighting conditions along with the non functioning Ross rife did not help the Canadians hold ground.
The Canadians launched a major counter attack to defend there lines. It was the first major offensive the Canadians launched during World War One. They were able to hold there ground until reinforcements arrived and that made Canada become recognized on a more global scale. It was Canada's first major appearance on a European battlefield and the Canadians established a reputation as a great fighting force. Congratulatory messages were sent to the Canadian Prime Minister. Although, Canada earned a lot of respect 2,000 died. They were heavy losses for Canada's little army of 6,035 men being sent to fight for the British Empire in the Ypres salient. This made the Canadian identity to become known as a more stronger country than before and Canada gained more independence from Britain during other battles that went on later on.