Battle of Polygon Wood facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Polygon Wood
Part of the Battle of Passchendaele
Australian soldiers wearing gas masks
Date September 26 – 27, 1917 Location Polygon Wood, Flanders Result Allied victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom Australia	German Empire
Commanders and leaders
Herbert Plumer	Erich Ludendorff
Strength
7 British divisions 2 Australian divisions	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Australia: 5,770	Unknown, but many.

The Battle of Polygon Wood was a smaller battle that took place during World War I. It was part of a larger fight called the Battle of Passchendaele. This battle happened mainly in an area known as Polygon Wood, which is near Ypres, Belgium.

What was the Battle of Polygon Wood?

The Battle of Polygon Wood was a short but intense fight during World War I. It lasted only two days, from September 26 to 27, 1917. This battle was a key part of the bigger Battle of Passchendaele, which was fought in the muddy fields of Flanders.

Where and when did it happen?

The battle took place in a specific area called Polygon Wood. This wood was located near the town of Ypres in Belgium. The fighting happened in the autumn of 1917, a time when the weather was often wet and difficult for soldiers.

Who fought in this battle?

On one side were the Allies, mainly soldiers from the United Kingdom and Australia. Their main commander was Herbert Plumer. On the other side were the soldiers of the German Empire, led by Erich Ludendorff. The Allies had a large number of troops, with seven British divisions and two Australian divisions taking part. The number of German soldiers is not fully known.

How did the battle unfold?

The battle began with a strong attack by the Allied forces. They used a lot of artillery fire to soften up the German defenses. After this, the infantry (foot soldiers) moved forward. The goal was to capture important German positions within Polygon Wood. The fighting was very tough, with soldiers facing machine gun fire and strong resistance.

What was the outcome?

The Battle of Polygon Wood ended in a victory for the Allies. They managed to capture their targets and push the German forces back. However, this victory came at a high cost. For example, Australia alone had 5,770 soldiers killed or wounded. The number of German casualties is not known exactly, but it was also very high. This battle helped the Allies gain ground in the larger Battle of Passchendaele.

Images for kids

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  Troops of the 10th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, of the 3rd Division, move into position for the attack on Zonnebeke, 25 September 1917
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  The British front line and the German defences in the area east of Ypres, mid-1917
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  Australian soldiers at the Battle of Polygon Wood
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  Australian soldiers in trenches at the Battle of Polygon Wood
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  Albatros D.Va
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  A painting of the battlefield at Polygon Wood by George Edmund Butler, an official war artist to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, in 1918. The Butte is visible in the distance.