alternatehistory.com

What if the Germans had had a single extra corps available to throw into the battle immediately after the release of gas? Though it happened at 5:00-5:05pm and it took some time to drift over the enemy lines and the German soldiers hesitated a bit instead of following it immediately, what if they threw this extra corps into the breach within 20 minutes of the release? Could they reach Ypres by night fall and collapse the British lines? The city was only about 7-8 miles distant from the German starting positions and there was literally no one between them and the city. Historically they managed to penetrate several miles the same day before stopping with only one division (fully committed) after pausing, but here there would be the exploitation corps and the other corps that historically confronted the Canadians.

I personally think the Germans could be to the outskirts of town while the neighboring corps dealt with the French, Belgians, and Canadians, probably capturing or wiping out the 1st Canadian division, rounding up a number of French troops, and possibly severely damaging at least the 28th British division. The other two, the 27th and the 5th, were likely to have to abandon the salient while losing a significant portion of their strength. The Allies would have to counter attack for political reasons, losing more men than historically and severely damaging themselves in international eyes. The gain of Hill 60 would have to be abandoned too, further adding insult to injury, as it was literally just gained several days before.

What political and military consequences would this have for both sides? What does this mean for the Belgians? Looking at the map of the situation:
http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/writing/maps.asp
It seems the Germans would release another corps from the line by eliminating the salient and probably add another division into the local army's reserve. The Ypres canal is a decent defensive line to hold it against further attacks, plus the ridges gained would significantly aid in defense of the town. It also places the Germans closer to other targets and throws the British off balance. Thoughts?
Top