First poison gas attack

In the spring of 1915 the Supreme Military Command (OHL) intends to win back the initiative on the western front which has been paralysed by static trench warfare: German troops are expected to force a breakthrough near Ypern (Flanders). For that purpose they employ poisonous gas for the first time – contrary to all martial and international law – against which up to then there have been no effective protective measures.

© Imperial War Museum Victims of a Gas attack

In the first attack on 22 April 1915, chlorine gas is used against a British position in which over 10,000 gassing victims are counted. Nevertheless, the result is only minor territorial gains and a straightening of the front. The Germans are still denied a strategic breakthrough since reserves are lacking for a further push. Until the end of the offensive on 25 May 1915, German losses run at around 35,000 soldiers; numbers on the allied side are nearly twice as high.
From now on poison gas is used by both sides. By 1918 tens of thousands of soldiers will have fallen victim to this terrible weapon of mass destruction.