While the Allied combatants who fought and died at Ypres deserve our unstinting gratitude and reverent respect, the cold eye of hindsight sees the engagement as especially tragic in terms of gains measured against sacrifice. Launched on 31st July 1917, The Third Battle of Ypres was a carefully planned effort that followed the first and second battles previously initiated by the Germans. Designed as a breakthrough to Flanders, Belgium, the objective was to capture Passchendaele in order to break through German forces, control coastal Ostende and Zeebrugge and destroy the submarine bases on the Belgian coast. The 1st and 2nd Australian Divisions, Australian Imperial Force joined the battle at Menin Road, east of Ypres on 20th September. With easing rain, the divisions took the area against fierce German counter attacks from their entrenched concrete pill-box positions. The two AIF Divisions sustained 5,013 casualties in the fighting. Passchendaele and the earlier Somme engagement epitomised the suffering, tragedy and huge human cost of the Great War. The final participation of Australian troops in the Third Battle of Ypres saw Australian, New Zealand and British troops involved in an unsuccessful attempt to seize the Passchendaele Ridge from the defending Germans on 12th October 1917. A waterlogged battle field hindered the 3rd and 4th Australian Divisions objectives to take the ridge. Canadian forces eventually take Passchendaele and the Third Battle of Ypres concludes on 10th November, 1917. In memory of the gallant fallen, this exclusive Bradford Exchange tribute salutes their gallantry and courage with an exclusive proof quality Golden commemorative coin. Exquisitely crafted to the highest numismatic standards, it features a meticulously detailed rendering of the famed picture of a horse-drawn gun carriage passing the ruins of the Cloth Hall at Ypres, escorted by three artillery drivers on horseback. The poignant quote from Captain William Bunning (Victoria) encapsulates the heroism and end-of-combat relief of those who fought there. Long may their memory remain with us. Contact our Senior Executive Now!