It is close to the town of Ypres, situated on the hill ridge separating the historical wetlands of the Yser and Leie valleys.

The government of France faced a massive mutiny at the time, having lost nearly four million troops to this point against the Central Powers.

In addition to British, Canadian, Belgian, New Zealander, Australian and Indian troops fought on the side of the Allies, under the command of Field Marshal Douglas Haig.

Despite the rain, contamination of the water supply led to massive dehydration and sickness amongst the troops on both sides during the long months of battle.

Finally, after sixteen weeks of fighting in conditions which varied from rain, mud, and slime, to hot and dry weather with great clouds of dust, the initial objective of Passchendaele Ridge had been gained at a cost of 270,000 Allied casualties, including 17,000 officers.