World War One worksheets Many of our great gardens such as Wisley and Rosemoor are growing poppies this summer to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. One hundred years ago was a time of great hardship and suffering for many young people across the world. The First World War was not expected to last very long but the war quickly became one of relentless attrition with little gain for either side, millions dying and millions more badly injured. Our latest sets of comprehensions take a closer look at trench warfare on the Western Front and include details of the Christmas truce, including football in no-man’s land. The main theme, however, is the terrible conflict around the town of Ypres, including the three main battles. The first battle occurred in 1914 as trenches were dug around the town in an attempt to gain control of the vital coastal ports. The second battle of Ypres took place in 1915 and was made up of six smaller engagements. It was during this battle that poison gas was first used on a large scale. The chlorine gas killed many on both sides as it relied on the wind to carry it. The third battle was in 1917 when the Allies bombarded the German trenches for ten days, using 3000 guns. However, the only winner was the mud, created by the bombardment and bad weather. Many men and horses drowned in the swamp that had been created. Go to our World War One worksheets