Pilckem

First World War

Battle of Pilckem Ridge. Stretcher bearers struggle in mud up to their knees to carry a wounded man to safety near Boesinghe. 1 August 1917.
Credit: Imperial War Museum (Q 5935) Photographer: Brooke, John Warwick (Lieutenant)

Date

31 July – 2 August 1917

Geographical parameters

The Comines-Ypres Canal as far as Voormezeele; thence road to Vlamertinghe Château – Elverdinghe Château – Woesten – Bixschoote

Context

A battle honour formally entitled the “Battle of Pilckem Ridge” and itself forming part of “The Battles of Ypres, 1917”^{Footnote 1}

Description

The Honour “Pilckem” was awarded for the actions that opened the 1917 British offensive in Flanders. Although initially very successful in pushing deep into German lines the attacking forces were pushed back losing more than half of the ground initially gained. Canadian involvement in this attack was limited to a supporting one. Only the '2nd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops, CEF' was in the area in support of the attack.

Awarded to:

Currently serving units

• The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)
  Awards to the 127th Canadian Infantry Battalion, CEF (GO 71/30) and The York Rangers (GO 71/30)