NDP statement on the Battle of Passchendaele

Irene Mathyssen, MP for London – Fanshawe and NDP Veterans Affairs Critic made the following statement on the Battle of Passchendaele:

“Throughout November, we remember the long and difficult battle of Passchendaele. During World War I Canadians launched an attack to take back Passchendaele ridge in Belgium. With many lives lost already fighting for the ridge, the Canadians were asked to come in and take the ridge, and claim a victory.

Nearly 16,000 Canadians sacrificed their lives but the ridge was eventually won. The costs to both sides were heavy and over the months of the battle 275,000 British and 220,000 Germans perished.

We remember those who fought; those, who were injured, and the many that did not make it home. We remember with sorrow the families who welcomed back shattered souls, shattered bodies, or no one at all.

Lest we forget.”