Today is the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. Both sides lost over 200,000 men each, and the battle fields were characterised by mud, slowing the Allied advance.
In 1917, August had over 5 inches of rain, while less than an inch was more typical. IN the 4 preceding years, there were 26, 23, 23 and 21 days in the month with no rain whatsoever.
So what-if the weather had been more typical? A dry month with scattered showers with the ground dried quickly with sunshine, as Haig expected?
Would the British have made their objectives? Would it have made possible the amphibious landing proposed for the Belgium coast, and the capture of Bruges?
In 1917, August had over 5 inches of rain, while less than an inch was more typical. IN the 4 preceding years, there were 26, 23, 23 and 21 days in the month with no rain whatsoever.
So what-if the weather had been more typical? A dry month with scattered showers with the ground dried quickly with sunshine, as Haig expected?
Would the British have made their objectives? Would it have made possible the amphibious landing proposed for the Belgium coast, and the capture of Bruges?