1917 battle during the second phase of the Third battle of Ypres in World War I
The battle severely damaged the German 4th Army and threatened German control of Broodseinde ridge during the Third Battle of Ypres.
Key Facts
- Date range
- 26 September – 3 October 1917
- Planned advance depth
- 1,000–1,500 yards (910–1,370 m)
- Creeping barrage layers
- 5 layers on Second Army front
- German position captured
- Large part of Flandern I Stellung
- German counter-attacks
- Failed, 27 September – 3 October 1917
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
General Herbert Plumer continued the British strategy of limited-objective advances supported by massive artillery, following the pattern adopted by the Fifth Army in August. The drier weather hardened the ground, and early morning mists provided concealment for British infantry moving at dawn, creating favorable tactical conditions for a renewed push.
British forces attacked from the Menin road northward through Polygon Wood and beyond St Julien, advancing 1,000–1,500 yards behind five layers of creeping barrage. Infantry in depth secured captured ground on reverse slopes, while German Eingreif counter-attack formations were exposed by clearing mist and destroyed by air and ground observation before they could intervene effectively.
The attack inflicted severe casualties on the German 4th Army and captured much of the Flandern I Stellung defensive line, threatening German control of Broodseinde ridge. German methodical counter-attacks from 27 September to 3 October all failed, forcing the German command to hastily revise its defensive arrangements to counter growing British offensive superiority.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Herbert Plumer.
Side B
1 belligerent