What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore how the film Ypres represents Canadian contributions and experiences during World War I.

April 19, 2026Open Access

Ypres: Canada’s Legendary First World War Battles in Film

Key Points

This research aims to explore how the film Ypres represents Canadian contributions and experiences during World War I.
Analyzed the film's incorporation of archival footage and testimonials from veterans.
Examined the portrayal of Canadian soldiers' experiences in the context of the broader war narrative.
Considered historical accuracy and its impact on Canadian audiences.
The film featured realistic combat depictions that portrayed the trauma faced by Canadian soldiers.
It showcased Canada's significant role in the victory narrative, shifting focus from British-centric accounts.
The film successfully highlighted the sacrifices made by Canadian forces, emphasizing their contributions.

Abstract

The 1925 British film Ypres reenacted the three major battles of Ypres, including the Canadian experience in the Second and Third Battles of 1915 and 1917. Directed by Walter Summers and made by utilising archival footage from the war and First World War veterans to produce an authentic account of ‘every detail, and the deathless glory won by the British forces.’ The film’s inclusion of Canadian fighting experiences at Ypres decentralised the British war narrative, showing that Canada contributed significantly to the cost of victory. Released in Canada in 1926, Ypres showed Canadian audiences that Canadian soldiers endured trauma at Ypres through its realistic portrayal of combat. Through its depiction of war, the creators of Ypres showcased to Canadian audiences that Canadian soldiers underwent the horrors of the First World War for victory, the very value Canada went to war for in 1914.

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