The First Battle of Passchendaele, fought during World War I, is one of the most infamous battles featuring New Zealand forces. On this occasion, which was marked by atrocious weather conditions and a well-entrenched enemy, the New Zealanders were ordered to advance and capture key positions in the Ypres Salient in Belgium. The goal was to relieve pressure on Allied forces and push deeper into enemy territory. However, many factors hindered their success, such as incessant rain that turned the battlefield into a quagmire and the relentless German defenses. Prior planning and reconnaissance were insufficient, resulting in high levels of confusion among troops on the ground. As New Zealand soldiers advanced, they encountered not only enemy fire but also treacherous mud that slowed their efforts and contributed to high casualty numbers. Despite their bravery and determination, they faced one of the deadliest days in New Zealand's military history.The attack commenced under the command of Major General Andrew Russell, who sought to make a breakthrough that had so far eluded Allied forces since the start of the campaign. New Zealand's infantry, part of the larger British Empire forces, was tasked with capturing the ridge overlooking Passchendaele village. While some progress was made, the cost was staggering. Over 800 New Zealand soldiers were killed, with thousands more wounded within a single day, marking an unforgettable moment in military history. This event highlighted the sheer attrition of trench warfare, where strategic gains often came at an astronomical price of human life.