The Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, commenced in late July 1917 during World War I. The Allied forces sought to secure the high ground around Ypres, which was critical for launching future offensives against the German lines. General Sir Douglas Haig, the commander of the British Expeditionary Force, believed that taking the ridges would give the Allies an advantage for an offensive against Germany. The battle, however, turned into one of the bloodiest and most grueling confrontations of the war.

Heavy rains set in shortly after the battle began, turning the battlefield into a quagmire. Soldiers faced not only the enemy but also the treacherous mud that rendered movement nearly impossible for both men and machinery. The conditions led to significant logistical challenges, with supplies and reinforcements hampered by the terrain. Despite these circumstances, the Allies pressed on, resulting in staggering casualties. The duration of the battle from July to November resulted in an estimated half a million casualties combined from both sides.

The campaign continued through autumn with fluctuating advances and retreats, ultimately leading to the capture of Passchendaele village in November 1917. While the Allies achieved some territorial objectives, strategic gains were limited, leading many to view the battle as a costly stalemate. The human toll and the importance of location—alongside the political motivations behind the offensive—resume as crucial points of discussion concerning military strategies employed during the war.