Royal Signals Museum - Postal Covers - The Air Observation PostThe Battle of Pasachendaele 1917 - The Air Observation PostThe opposing forces were led by the British Commander in Chief Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, and General Sixt Von Arnim on the German side. The battle of Passchendaele (sometimes called the third battle of Ypres) was an attempt by the British to break out of the Ypres salient, with the strategic objective of turning the German flank in Belgium. The British were also under strong pressure to give relief to the hard pressed French army to the south. The opening phrase of the battle was led by General Sir Hubert Gough's 5th Army. After initial advances on the first day the attack was held up by heavy rain which flooded the craters caused by the artillery bombardment. General Sir Herbert Plumers 2nd Army took over the offensive and made further advances in the face of fierce German resistance and accurate artillery fire, including gas attacks. The battle of attrition continued in spite of terrible losses and appalling conditions. Finally the Canadian 3rd and 4th Divisions carried the Passchendaele ridge on 6 November. The official casualty figure for the British and Canadian forces was given as 244,897 but many sources suggest an even higher figure. The original hopes for the battle were not realised, and the Commander in Chief was criticised later for continuing with the offensive in the prevailing conditions. The use of aircraft for artillery observation was a feature of the western front at this time, and the envelope illustrates RE8 2-seater aircraft in this role. The observer/gunner signalled to the ground controller by wireless telegraphy, using a spark transmitter, operating in the 170-190 metre band. The aircraft trailed a wire aerial. Some fine examples of this equipment are on display in the Royal Signals Museum at Blandford, Dorset. The envelope also bears the divisional sign of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division, which played a prominent part in the battle. The regimental badge depicted is that of the Machine Gun Corps, formed in 1915. |
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