The Rest Is History 597. The First World War: The Massacre of the Innocents (Part 4)
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Sep 3, 2025 Explore the brutal Battle of Ypres, where the Germans and British clashed fiercely amid the horrors of trench warfare. Hear about the emotional weight of shared soldier experiences and the misconceptions surrounding the tragic kindermord. Delve into the strategic significance of Ypres and its impact on future conflicts, including the rise of Hitler. Discover tales of heroism, the staggering casualty rates, and the complex narratives that shaped national identities during this tumultuous time.
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Hitler's Early War Memory
- Adolf Hitler recalled marching from Munich and hearing shells and singing with comrades on his first brush with the enemy in 1914.
- Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland read the passage from Mein Kampf to show how the memory became part of German wartime myth.
Ypres As Strategic Prize
- Ypres sat on a strategic corridor to the Channel ports and had long historical importance.
- Falkenhayn aimed to capture Ypres to threaten Allied supply lines and cut Britain from France.
British Arrival In Ypres
- The British 7th Division first marched into Ypres on 14 October and admired its old streets and cloth hall.
- Soldiers from empire contingents expected a minor skirmish and were unprepared for the slaughter ahead.
