-
The Race to the Sea Begins
The Race to the Sea involved many battles; one of them being the Battle of Ypres. This painting shows the troops as they partcipate in the Race to the Sea. -
The Captureof Antwerp
On October 7th, German forces attacked the Belgian town of Antwerp, and although they fought to resist, the Allies couldn't protect the town. They then retreated to Ypres. The picture opposite shows German soldiers during the battle at Antwerp. -
BEF Retreats to Ypres
The BEF (British Expeditionary Force) started to retreat towards Ypres to strengthen the Belgian and French defense after the downfall of Antwerp. This photograph shows members of the British Expeditionary Force going into battle. -
British Troops Enter Ypres
In October 1914, the British troops began arriving in the town of Ypres. They were unaware however, of the large German army also advancing on the town. Australian soldier fought alongside the British troops for the duration of the Battle of Ypres.
This picture shows the British waiting outside the town of Ypres for orders. -
The Battle of Ypres Begins
On the 19th of October, the Germans realised that they were not alone in Ypres and launched an attack pushing the French back. In this photograph we see German soldiers being ordered 'over the top' as they attack the British Divisions. -
Germany Strike the British II Corps
The Germans attacked the British II Corps and assaulted the area between Ypres and Langemarck on October 20th. However, General Douglas Haig’s I Corps also arrived on this day and helped improve the British situation. This picture shows German troops in the midst of battle. -
The British III Corps are Pushed Backwards
German troops increased their pressure on the British III Corps, who were positioned in the south and forced the division back two miles.
Here we see British troops defending their position. -
The French IX Corps take Control of the Ypres Salient
On the 24th of October, the French IX Corps took control of the northern half of the Ypres salient when they replaced the British 1st and 2nd Divisions. This map shosw the Ypres salient defended by the British, French and Belgerian troops during the Battle of Ypres. -
Germans Attack British 7th Division
On the 25th of October, the German troops moved south and launched an attack on the British 7th Division on the Menin Road. This photo shows the British 7th Division heading into battle. -
Germans Break Through 7th Division Lines
The Germans who attacked the 7th Division prevailled in breaking through their lines for a short time; however reserves were brought in by the Allies and they recovered their line. The Germans were forced to withdraw.
This map shows the position of the 7th Divison lines. -
Belgian Troops Force a German Halt
On the 27th of October, the Belgians flooded the land between their own position and the German position. This created a two mile barrier and forced the Germans to reconsider their plans.
This photographs shows the Germans waiting as they were forced to halt and reconsider their plans due to the flooded land. -
German Corps Attacks
General Gustav Hermann Karl Max von Fabeck renewed his offensive and sent two corps to attack. The battle moved along the Menin Road and towards Gheluvelt and engaged both sides in fierce fighting over the next few days.
This shows German Corps preparing to go into battle -
German Troops Push British Line Back
The 30th of October saw another attack from Germany. This time they were able to push the British lines back however they did not break them.
The map opposite shows how far the British lines were pushed back by the Germans. -
Germans Launch an Attack on British Lines
On the 31st of October, German cavalry pushed a small British cavalry from their position at Messines Ridge and then attacked General Douglas Haig’s I Corps. The British however, were able to launch a strong counterattack and hold their sector. This photo shows troops going into battle at Ypres. -
German Corps Attack is Called Off
The Germans were able to capture Wytschaete and Messines as fighting occurred between the two towns. The assault was called off on the 1st of November with the help of the French.
This photo shows the devastated land after the Battle of Ypres was called off. -
Germans make a Final Push for Ypres
On the 11th of November, the German troops made a final push in hope of taking Ypres. They again attacked along the Menin Road and were able to push back the British II Corps front lines; however the British forces were able to stop them at Noonebosschen.
This painting shows the Battle of Ypres during the Germans final push for Ypres. -
The End of the Battle of Ypres for the French
There are many debates as to when the Battle of Ypres actually ended. The French believe that it ended on the 13th of November.
The photograph opposite shows some of the soldiers who fought for France in the Battle of Ypres. -
German Troops Dig In
German attacks proved ineffective, so on the 17th of November, Albrecht ordered his men to dig in. Fighting continued for the next five days until it lessened for the winter. This picture shows the German soldiers in their trenches as they 'dig in'. -
The Battle of Ypres Ends for the Britsh
Fierce battle continued until the 22nd of November when the winter weather forced it to an end. However this is only when the British believe the battle ended.
This photograph shows some of the soldier who fought for Britain in the Battle of Ypres. -
The Battle of Ypres Ends for the Germans
The 30th of November is when the Germans believe the Battle of Ypres ended.
This photograoh shows some of the brave soldiers who fought in the Battle of Ypres.
