Impact and results

all for naught

Houthulst Forest, the German bastion and logistical hub between Diksmuide and Passchendaele, remained out of reach. The British and French were able to establish positions only at the outer periphery of the forest. Although Kippe had been taken, the Steenbeek had not been reached and the link between the forest and the Blankaart remained intact. The ultimate objective of the offensive in the north, to capture or cut off Houthulst Forest, was not achieved.

Or was it?

Yet the French were content. Their participation in the Battle of Passchendaele was modest but of vital importance. The troops had performed well, and without complaint. The French had almost always succeeded in reaching their objectives despite the difficult terrain. In particular, good preparation and collaboration between French artillery, aircrews and ground troops had borne fruit – combined action that would ultimately decide the war in favour of the Allies.

Although the offensive was decided on the heights around Ypres, and French participation at its edges had little effect on the outcome of the Battle of Passchendaele, the French had shown themselves to their British allies to be robust and reliable.

Moreover, in the long term the accomplishments of France’s 1^st Army reflected well on Pétain and by extension the entire French war effort. Participation at Passchendaele reconfirmed to its allies the French army’s strength of purpose. The giant seemed to be walking tall once more.