Dan Snow's History Hit The Battle of Passchendaele
Nov 10, 2025
Jen Baldwin, a genealogist and research specialist for Findmypast, joins to explore the haunting realities of the Battle of Passchendaele. She shares chilling accounts from soldier diaries, detailing the grim conditions and relentless strategies that defined this infamous conflict. Stories of Private James Morby and Captain Edwin Vaughan reveal personal tragedies amidst the chaos. The discussion also highlights the lasting impact of mustard gas and the emotional toll on medical crews, urging listeners to uncover their own family war stories through archival records.
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A Family's Double Tragedy
- Private James Morby, 19, pushed forward on Pilckem Ridge, was wounded on 31 July and died days later, leaving no known grave.
- His family had already lost and had a brother amputated, showing repeated familial sacrifice.
Straw-Hat Worker Killed In Shelling
- Stanley Toyer, 27, a Luton straw-hat worker turned Lancashire Regiment soldier, was shelled beside a trench and died three days later.
- Newspapers and pension records trace his trade, club ties and the family's later financial dependence.
August's Costly Stalemate
- August saw major attacks like Langemark fail against concrete pillboxes and skilled German counters, costing tens of thousands.
- By late August the offensive had slowed into a muddy stalemate with huge casualties and little ground gained.
