1914. by Viscount French of Ypres

THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

For the purpose of convenient reference, I have included in this chapter the composition of the Sixth Division, which joined us on the Aisne, and of the Seventh Division and the Third Cavalry Division, which came into line with the origi- nal Expeditionary Force in Belgium in the opening stages of the First Battle of Ypres; as also of the Lahore Division of the Indian Corps, which likewise took part in the Battle of Ypres.

STRATEGIC FEATURES 55

had been pushed well to the front, and such engagements as had taken place between detachments of larger or smaller patrols had foreshadowed that moral superiority of Brit- ish over German which was afterwards so completely estab- lished, and proved of such enormous value in the retreat, the Battles of the Marne and the Aisne, and the opening phases of the first Battle of Ypres. The French troops had al- ready secured minor successes, and had penetrated into the enemy’s territory. The Allied commanders were full of hope and confidence.

THE AISNE VALLEY 149

During the early phases of the Battle of Ypres, the high ground north of the river Lys presented some similar fea- tures; just as Kemmel Hill, and the height overlooking Lens and, farther south, the rolling plains west of the Somme, were also good for observation; but these all differed from

FIRST DIVISION AT VENDRESSE 153

Early in the morning, Lomax, with the First Division, sur- prised the enemy at Vendresse, capturing six hundred pris- oners and twelve guns. This distinguished divisional com- | mander died a few months later from the effect of wounds received during the first Battle of Ypres.

THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

For the purpose of convenient reference, I have included in this chapter the composition of the Sixth Division, which joined us on the Aisne, and of the Seventh Division and the Third Cavalry Division, which came into line with the origi- nal Expeditionary Force in Belgium in the opening stages of the First Battle of Ypres; as also of the Lahore Division of the Indian Corps, which likewise took part in the Battle of Ypres.

STRATEGIC FEATURES 55

had been pushed well to the front, and such engagements as had taken place between detachments of larger or smaller patrols had foreshadowed that moral superiority of Brit- ish over German which was afterwards so completely estab- lished, and proved of such enormous value in the retreat, the Battles of the Marne and the Aisne, and the opening phases of the first Battle of Ypres. The French troops had al- ready secured minor successes, and had penetrated into the enemy’s territory. The Allied commanders were full of hope and confidence.

THE AISNE VALLEY 149

During the early phases of the Battle of Ypres, the high ground north of the river Lys presented some similar fea- tures; just as Kemmel Hill, and the height overlooking Lens and, farther south, the rolling plains west of the Somme, were also good for observation; but these all differed from

FIRST DIVISION AT VENDRESSE 153

Early in the morning, Lomax, with the First Division, sur- prised the enemy at Vendresse, capturing six hundred pris- oners and twelve guns. This distinguished divisional com- | mander died a few months later from the effect of wounds received during the first Battle of Ypres.