What notable feature of the battlefield impacted movement during the Battle of Passchendaele?

The muddy and flooded conditions significantly impacted movement during the Battle of Passchendaele, which took place in late 1917 during World War I. The battlefield, located in Flanders, Belgium, was plagued by relentless rain, leading to the ground becoming saturated and turning into deep, treacherous mud. This created considerable challenges for soldiers trying to move, maneuver, or even carry out basic operations such as setting up artillery and transporting supplies.

The mud slowed down troops, vehicles, and artillery, causing delays in communication and reinforcements. Soldiers found it difficult to traverse the landscape, leading to higher casualty rates as they became bogged down or were exposed to enemy fire while struggling through the mud. The conditions also contributed to a sense of despondency among the troops, as the battlefield became a symbol of the horrors and hardships faced during the war. Hence, the muddy and flooded terrain was a defining characteristic of the Battle of Passchendaele, directly affecting the tactics and outcomes of the engagement.