Douglas Haig Biography

Birth of Douglas Haig

Appointed Major

Appointed Inspector General of Cavalry, serves in India

Appointed Major General

Serves as chief of the General Staff in India.

Directs staff planning and training within the Indian Army.

Appointed Lieutenant General

Takes command of the army formation based at Aldershot.

Directs large-scale training before the First World War.

Appointed Commander of the First Army as part of the BEF sent to France

Appointed Commander of the First Army as part of the BEF sent to France

Appointed Commander of the First Army as part of the BEF sent to France

Appointed Commander of the First Army as part of the BEF sent to France

Appointed Commander of the First Army as part of the BEF sent to France

Appointed Commander of the First Army as part of the BEF sent to France

Appointed General

Appointed General

Haig commands I Corps in the Ypres salient.

Haig orders reserves forward after British troops penetrate the first German defensive positions.

Haig's First Army opens the Neuve Chapelle offensive after a concentrated artillery bombardment.

Haig ends the offensive after communications failures, resistance and ammunition shortages prevent further progress.

Haig's First Army attacks Aubers Ridge but strong German defences inflict severe British losses.

Haig reviews the failed attack after British troops gain little ground against intact German positions.

Haig's First Army begins a night offensive intended to exploit limited artillery preparation around Festubert.

Haig continues attacks as British troops make slow gains through strongly defended trench systems.

Haig ends the Festubert operation after limited advances and heavy casualties.

Haig supports preparations to use chlorine gas during the planned autumn offensive at Loos.

Haig confirms First Army plans for a major attack supporting the wider Allied autumn offensive.

Haig's First Army attacks at Loos and initially penetrates parts of the German defensive system.

Haig presses for reserve divisions to exploit the initial breakthrough before German defences recover.

Haig continues offensive operations as German reinforcements strengthen the threatened sector.

Haig reviews severe First Army losses after the offensive fails to achieve a strategic breakthrough.

Haig reorganises First Army formations and staff arrangements after the Loos fighting.

Haig begins coordinating future British operations with Joffre as the new BEF commander.

Haig emerges as the leading candidate to replace Sir John French as commander of the BEF.

Haig reviews the expanding British sector and the requirements for larger operations in 1916.

Appointed Commander in Chief

Appointed Commander in Chief

Haig replaces Sir John French as Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force.

Haig assumes control of BEF General Headquarters and begins reviewing the army's organisation.

Haig considers future offensives around Ypres.

Haig expands preparations for the planned Anglo-French offensive while Verdun increases pressure on France.

Haig oversees the concentration of guns, ammunition and divisions for the coming offensive.

Haig's armies begin the prolonged bombardment intended to destroy German wire and forward defences.

Royal Flying Corps aircraft support preparatory operations by attacking German observation balloons.

Haig directs the opening Somme phase as British armies attack across the Albert sector.

Commands the British Expeditionary Force as the Somme attack opens after a week of bombardment.

The British attack opens on the Somme, causing 57,470 British casualties on the first day.

Haig reviews catastrophic first-day casualties but decides the offensive must continue.

Haig orders continued pressure to support France and wear down the German army.

Haig supports the night assembly and dawn attack that gains ground on Bazentin Ridge.

Haig maintains pressure around Delville Wood during the second phase of the Somme battle.

Haig seeks rapid exploitation toward High Wood after the Bazentin Ridge success.

Haig supports Australian and British attacks intended to seize the important Pozieres ridge.

Haig's armies increasingly use creeping barrages to improve infantry support during Somme attacks.

Haig continues attacks around Guillemont to improve the British position before renewed larger operations.

Haig orders pressure maintained after British troops capture Ginchy during the Somme offensive.

British tanks are used in battle for the first time during the Somme offensive.

Orders the Somme offensive to continue as tanks are used in battle for the first time.

Haig approves the first battlefield use of tanks during the attack at Flers-Courcelette.

British Fourth Army attacks Morval, Gueudecourt and Lesboeufs while French forces move toward Combles and Rancourt.

Supported by Fochs 6th Army but 20,000 British perish on the first day of the battle

Haig's forces attack Thiepval Ridge and secure important positions overlooking the Ancre valley.

Haig reviews deteriorating battlefield conditions as rain and mud sharply reduce operational mobility.

Haig continues pressure on the heights north of the Somme as autumn weather worsens.

Haig sustains attacks toward Le Transloy despite mud, rain and increasingly difficult supply conditions.

The First Battle of Passchendaele, on 12 October 1917 began with a further Allied attempt by 5 British and 3 ANZAC divisions (the New Zealand Division and the Australian 3rd and 4th Divisions) to gain ground around Poelcappelle

The First Battle of Passchendaele, on 12 October 1917 began with a further Allied attempt by 5 British and 3 ANZAC divisions (the New Zealand Division and the Australian 3rd and 4th Divisions) to gain ground around Poelcappelle. The Allied troops were fought-out, and morale was suffering, against the well-prepared German defences, the gains were minimal and there were 13,000 Allied casualties

The four divisions of the Canadian Corps were transferred to the Ypres Salient and to make additional advances on Passchendaele

At a conference in Chantilly in November 1916, and a series of subsequent meetings, the Entente agreed on an offensive strategy where they would overwhelm the Central Powers by means of attacks on the Western, Eastern and Italian Fronts

Haig was ordered to co-operate with Nivelles planned attack, but secured Nivelles agreement that in the event the French offensive failed, the British would attack in the area of Flanders. At a conference in Chantilly in November 1916, and a series of subsequent meetings, the Entente agreed on an offensive strategy where they would overwhelm the Central Powers by means of attacks on the Western, Eastern and Italian Fronts

Haig reviews artillery, infantry, tank and communications lessons from the completed Somme campaign.

Haig approves the final major British attack of the Somme campaign along the Ancre.

As the Battle of the Somme comes to a bitterly cold end, a meeting is held between the Allied generals at Chantilly just outside Paris, a decision is reached by Generals Haig and Joffre that on the Western Front things would recommence in February

As the Battle of the Somme comes to a bitterly cold end, a meeting is held between the Allied generals at Chantilly just outside Paris, a decision is reached by Generals Haig and Joffre that on the Western Front things would recommence in February

Haig ends major Somme operations after months of attritional fighting and limited territorial gains.

In December 1916, at the conclusion of the Battle of the Somme, Haig identified Flanders as the most promising theatre for a British offensive of 1917 and by January 1917 the idea of a Flanders offensive had met with the approval of the British Cabinet

Haig reorganises formations and command arrangements after the heavy losses of the Somme.

Haig directs further artillery and ammunition preparation for the next year's major operations.

Haig renews plans for a future offensive in Flanders against German positions near Ypres.

Haig renews planning for a major offensive in Flanders after the Somme campaign ends.

Haig orders winter strengthening of trenches, communications and reserve systems across the British front.

Nivelle proposes that the system of attack he had used at Verdun could be scaled upwards and used on a weaker part of the German line, the enemy lines could be ruptured within 48 hours

Authorizes the Allied attack by the BEF against the Hindenburg Line

Authorizes the Allied attack by the BEF against the Hindenburg Line

Nivelle travels to London to sell his project to Lloyd George, the French would attack on the Oise, he wanted Haig to attack from Arras and then the French would smash the enemy on the Aisne at the Chemin des Dames

The idea of a Flanders offensive had been in the mind of British commander Sir Douglas Haig for some time before the Battle of Passchendaele began. Orders plans to be drawn up for an attack in the area, and this attack might well have happened had the Germans not launched the Battle of Verdun

Public announcement of Haigs promotion to Field Marshal

Public announcement of Haigs promotion to Field Marshal

British troops advance east of Beaucourt and take German prisoners.

British troops capture two German posts near Beaumont-Hamel.

Directs continued pressure on German positions north of the Ancre after the 1916 Somme battle.

British troops capture German posts on a 600 yard front north of Beaucourt-sur-Ancre.

British troops take a position near Le Transloy and capture a German garrison.

The British capture Ancre

British operations continue on the Ancre front after the winter pause following the 1916 Somme battle.

British troops repulse German counter-attacks on the Ancre front.

Haig orders the Arras Offensive for Eighth April

British troops capture positions around Sailly-Saillisel ridge and Hill 153.

The Alberich programme for German retreat to the Siegried Line is accelerated

The Haig-Nivelle plan is put in the command of the French C-in-C. Lloyd George & the French War Committee agree the Haig-Nivelle plan

Haig objects to arrangements placing British operations under Nivelle's direct authority during the spring offensive.

British troops capture Le Barque and Ligny as German forces fall back on the Somme front.

Lloyd George & the French War Committee agree the Haig-Nivelle plan

The main German retreat to the Hindenburg line begins

British troops occupy St Pierre Vaast Wood during the German withdrawal toward the Hindenburg Line.

Haig's armies begin intensive artillery preparation before the planned Arras offensive.

Allied troops face the outer defences of the Hindenburg Line after the German withdrawal.

Launches the Arras offensive to support wider Allied operations on the Western Front.

Haig directs the opening First Army attack along the Scarpe during the Arras offensive.

Haig supports the Canadian Corps assault that captures most of Vimy Ridge.

Haig reviews the failed British-Australian attack against the Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt.

British Fifth Army advances against villages near the Hindenburg Line during the wider Arras operations.

Haig continues Arras operations despite stronger German resistance and mounting casualties.

Haig supports British and Canadian attacks around Arleux during the later Arras fighting.

During April the BEF loses 120,070, the heaviest since July 1917

During April the BEF loses 120,070, the heaviest since July 1917

Haig continues operations at Bullecourt against heavily fortified Hindenburg Line positions.

Haig orders another Scarpe attack as the Arras offensive approaches its final phase.

Haig ends the Arras offensive after tactical gains but no strategic breakthrough.

Decides to distract the Germans from rebellion amongst French soldiers around Reims

Orders an Allied offensive to distract the Germans from French mutinies

Haig opens the Messines operation after extensive mining and artillery preparation.

Haig orders consolidation and exploitation after British Empire forces capture Messines Ridge.

Haig approves final preparations for the major offensive east of Ypres.

Haig authorises the main Flanders offensive intended to break through east of Ypres.

Haig launches the Third Battle of Ypres.

Haig launches the opening phase of the Third Battle of Ypres against Pilckem Ridge.

Haig continues the Ypres offensive as British forces attack around Langemarck in difficult conditions.

Approves the plan for the offensive on the plain of Cambrai

Haig supports Plumer's limited-objective attack that gains ground along Menin Road Ridge.

Haig continues the step-by-step offensive as British and Australian troops attack Polygon Wood.

Haig supports Canadian Corps preparations for renewed attacks on the Passchendaele ridge.

Haig keeps Passchendaele Ridge as an objective despite mud, casualties and worsening weather.

Haig supports the successful attack at Broodseinde during a drier period of the Ypres campaign.

Haig decides to capture Passchendaele

Orders the Canadian Corps to capure the Pascendale Ridge

Haig continues offensive operations around Poelcappelle despite worsening mud and weather.

1st day of the Passchendaele Offensive

Haig approves the first major assault toward Passchendaele after previous attacks fail to secure the ridge.

The Passchandale Offensive ceases after only advancing half a mile in 12 days

Haig continues the campaign with Canadian-led attacks toward the village and ridge.

Although inflicting irreplaceable casualties on the Germans, the Allies had captured a mere 5 miles (8 km) of new territory at a cost of 140,000 combat deaths.

The Battle consisted of a series of Bite and Hold attacks to capture critical terrain and wear down the German army, lasting until the Canadian Corps took Passchendaele on 6 November 1917, ending the battle.

a ratio of roughly 2 inches (5 cm) gained per dead soldier.

Haig orders consolidation after Canadian troops secure Passchendaele village and nearby high ground.

German reinforcements stop the Allied advance to Cambrai & regain lost land by Nov 30. 6 KM are gained

Haig supports the surprise Cambrai attack combining tanks, artillery, infantry and air power.

Haig reviews the German counterattack that recovers much of the ground gained earlier at Cambrai.

Faces new Allied scrutiny through the council's strategic reviews.

Devises a series of actions to advance into northern France and Belgium. Covers the entire British front from Dixmude to the Ypres salient

Haig warns that reduced infantry strength leaves British armies vulnerable to a major German offensive.

Haig confronts the opening German spring offensive against the British Third and Fifth Armies.

Haig directs emergency measures as German forces penetrate the Fifth Army front near Saint Quentin.

Haig coordinates retreat and reinforcement as the Fifth Army falls back under intense German pressure.

Haig reviews the retreat around Bapaume as Operation Michael continues westward.

Haig accepts Foch's coordinating authority during the emergency conference at Doullens.

Haig supports unified Allied direction as the spring offensive threatens to divide British and French armies.

Haig coordinates resistance as German forces continue advancing during the Battle of Rosieres.

Haig reinforces the Arras sector where British troops slow renewed German attacks.

Haig's forces help stop the German advance toward Amiens during the Battle of the Avre.

Haig's armies check the final major thrust of Operation Michael along the Ancre.

Haig directs reinforcements after German forces break into British and Portuguese positions near Estaires.

Haig shifts reserves north as the German offensive opens against the Flanders front.

Haig moves reserves north as the German Lys offensive threatens the British position in Flanders.

Haig issues his order during the Ypres crisis.

Haig issues his famous order calling on every position to be held during the Flanders crisis.

Haig issues his emergency order while German advances threaten British communications and positions in Flanders.

Haig sends reserves toward Bailleul as German attacks threaten the northern British front.

Haig supports British and French resistance during the first major German attack around Kemmel.

Haig reinforces the Bethune sector where German attacks are repelled during the Lys offensive.

Haig supports the counterattack that restores the Allied position east of Amiens.

Haig coordinates British and French resistance during renewed German attacks around Kemmel.

Haig reviews reinforcement requirements after Germany launches a new offensive on the Aisne.

Launches the Messines offensive

Haig approves secrecy and concentration measures for the planned Allied counteroffensive near Amiens.

Haig supports the carefully coordinated Australian-led attack at Hamel as a model for combined-arms warfare.

Accepts Rawlinson's proposal for an offensive against the German salient near Amiens.

Takes part in Allied planning before the Amiens Offensive, as Foch coordinates operations for the Western Front.

Commands the British Expeditionary Force as Rawlinson's Fourth Army attacks with Debeney's French First Army at Amiens.

Directs British forces as the Amiens attack opens the Allied advance on the Western Front.

The Battle of Amiens opens in fog. British Fourth Army and French First Army break through German lines and begin the Hundred Days advance.

The Second Armys failure to secure the fall of Amiens (in particular the critically important railway junction) in the centre of the German line compromised the whole of Ludendorffs planned advance. 8-11 Aug, offensive instigated by Haig, ultimately leads to victory

The Battle of Amiens, also known as the Third Battle of Picardy, begins the Allied counter-offensive later called the Hundred Days Offensive.

Haig's armies join the Allied counteroffensive that begins the decisive Hundred Days campaign.

On 10th August the French 3rd Army launched attacks in the southern sector of the advance. Montdidier was re-captured and the Paris-Amiens railway line was once again in Allied control

On 10th August the French 3rd Army launched attacks in the southern sector of the advance. Montdidier was re-captured and the Paris-Amiens railway line was once again in Allied control

On 10th August the French 3rd Army launched attacks in the southern sector of the advance. Montdidier was re-captured and the Paris-Amiens railway line was once again in Allied control

The second phase of the offensive began on 21st August as the Second Battles of the Somme 1918. The French Tenth and 3rd Armies, and the British 3rd and First Army attacked. The ANZAC captured ground north of the Somme river at Peronne and Mont St. Quentin. Canadian forces captured ground near Queant

The second phase of the offensive began on 21st August as the Second Battles of the Somme 1918. The French Tenth and 3rd Armies, and the British 3rd and First Army attacked. The ANZAC captured ground north of the Somme river at Peronne and Mont St. Quentin. Canadian forces captured ground near Queant

The second phase of the offensive began on 21st August as the Second Battles of the Somme 1918. The French Tenth and 3rd Armies, and the British 3rd and First Army attacked. The ANZAC captured ground north of the Somme river at Peronne and Mont St. Quentin. Canadian forces captured ground near Queant

The Flanders Advance is also known as the Fifth Battle of Ypres.

Haig renews British attacks on the old Somme battlefield as German forces begin falling back.

Begins the next phase of the Allied advance after Amiens by attacking toward Albert.

British Third and Fourth Armies renew the advance on the old Somme battlefield, forcing the German Second Army back.

Haig supports Canadian-led attacks along the Scarpe that push German forces toward the Hindenburg Line.

Haig's Third Army continues pressure as British forces retake Bapaume during the Hundred Days.

The Flanders Advance is also known as the Fifth Battle of Ypres.

From September a series of Allied offensives on the Western Front were launched in sequence at about the same time as the main Meuse-Argonne Offensive

From September a series of Allied offensives on the Western Front were launched in sequence at about the same time as the main Meuse-Argonne Offensive

Haig's First Army breaks the Drocourt-Queant defensive system and forces further German withdrawal.

By 4th September the German forces had withdrawn to the Hindenburg Line, the position from which they had advanced to make the offensives in the earlier part of the year

By 4th September the German forces had withdrawn to the Hindenburg Line, the position from which they had advanced to make the offensives in the earlier part of the year

By early September German forces fall back toward the Hindenburg Line after Allied pressure following Amiens and the Somme battles.

The Battle of Havrincourt (12th September 1918) was launched as a successful attack by the British 3rd Army with three divisions against four German Army divisions holding the fortified town of Havrincourt

The Battle of Havrincourt (12th September 1918) was launched as a successful attack by the British 3rd Army with three divisions against four German Army divisions holding the fortified town of Havrincourt

The Battle of Havrincourt (12th September 1918) was launched as a successful attack by the British 3rd Army with three divisions against four German Army divisions holding the fortified town of Havrincourt

The Battle of Havrincourt (12th September 1918) was launched as a successful attack by the British 3rd Army with three divisions against four German Army divisions holding the fortified town of Havrincourt

Following the success at Havrincourt, three corps of the British 4th Army, one corps of the British 3rd Army and units of the French First Army.

The Battle of Epehy (18th September 1918) was launched against a 20 mile section of outpost positions for the Hindenburg Line.

The left and right wings of the advance progressed with difficulty, but the two Australian divisions in the centre of the advance were successful in achieving an advance of three miles.

The success of this attack showed to the Allies that the German defence, even on the fortified Hindenburg Line positions, was not impossible to break through

Following the success at Havrincourt, three corps of the British 4th Army, one corps of the British 3rd Army and units of the French First Army.

The Battle of Epehy (18th September 1918) was launched against a 20 mile section of outpost positions for the Hindenburg Line.

The left and right wings of the advance progressed with difficulty, but the two Australian divisions in the centre of the advance were successful in achieving an advance of three miles.

The success of this attack showed to the Allies that the German defence, even on the fortified Hindenburg Line positions, was not impossible to break through

Following the success at Havrincourt, three corps of the British 4th Army, one corps of the British 3rd Army and units of the French First Army.

The Battle of Epehy (18th September 1918) was launched against a 20 mile section of outpost positions for the Hindenburg Line.

The left and right wings of the advance progressed with difficulty, but the two Australian divisions in the centre of the advance were successful in achieving an advance of three miles.

The success of this attack showed to the Allies that the German defence, even on the fortified Hindenburg Line positions, was not impossible to break through

Following the success at Havrincourt, three corps of the British 4th Army, one corps of the British 3rd Army and units of the French First Army.

The Battle of Epehy (18th September 1918) was launched against a 20 mile section of outpost positions for the Hindenburg Line.

The left and right wings of the advance progressed with difficulty, but the two Australian divisions in the centre of the advance were successful in achieving an advance of three miles.

The success of this attack showed to the Allies that the German defence, even on the fortified Hindenburg Line positions, was not impossible to break through

Following the success at Havrincourt, three corps of the British 4th Army, one corps of the British 3rd Army and units of the French First Army.

The Battle of Epehy (18th September 1918) was launched against a 20 mile section of outpost positions for the Hindenburg Line.

The left and right wings of the advance progressed with difficulty, but the two Australian divisions in the centre of the advance were successful in achieving an advance of three miles.

The success of this attack showed to the Allies that the German defence, even on the fortified Hindenburg Line positions, was not impossible to break through

Following the success at Havrincourt, three corps of the British 4th Army, one corps of the British 3rd Army and units of the French First Army.

The Battle of Epehy (18th September 1918) was launched against a 20 mile section of outpost positions for the Hindenburg Line.

The left and right wings of the advance progressed with difficulty, but the two Australian divisions in the centre of the advance were successful in achieving an advance of three miles.

The success of this attack showed to the Allies that the German defence, even on the fortified Hindenburg Line positions, was not impossible to break through

The Battle of Canal du Nord (27th September - 1st October 1918) took place against a section of the canal and the outskirts of Cambrai. The British First Army was to cross the canal continuing the advance following on from the Battle of the Drocourt-Queant Line and advance towards Cambrai

The Battle of Canal du Nord (27th September - 1st October 1918) took place against a section of the canal and the outskirts of Cambrai. The British First Army was to cross the canal continuing the advance following on from the Battle of the Drocourt-Queant Line and advance towards Cambrai

Haig supports the First Army crossing that opens the approach toward Cambrai.

1st day of the Battle of Flanders

The Flanders Advance is also known as the Fifth Battle of Ypres.

Haig orders advances through the Ypres sector.

The Meuse Argonne Offensive (26th September - 11th November 1918) was an Allied offensive with the aim of pushing the German Armies further east from their positions at the Hindenburg Line, cutting the Germans off from their important rail routes supplying their front line sectors

The Meuse Argonne Offensive (26th September - 11th November 1918) was an Allied offensive with the aim of pushing the German Armies further east from their positions at the Hindenburg Line, cutting the Germans off from their important rail routes supplying their front line sectors

Quentin and Vendhuille had been incorporated into the German defences of the Hindenburg Line. The German defences on the canal comprised not only barbed wire entanglements and traps, but generally this stretch of canal was in a deep cutting of about 50 to 80 metres.

The Battle of the St. Quentin Canal (29th September - 2nd October 1918) was an attack launched on 29th September by US, French and British forces. A north-south stretch of this canal between St.

The British 4th Army and the French First Army had reached the canal sector in mid September, and were tasked with crossing the canal at the tunnel section or by the bridge

The canal ran through a tunnel at Bellicourt and there was a bridge further south of the tunnel at Bellenglise.

Quentin and Vendhuille had been incorporated into the German defences of the Hindenburg Line. The German defences on the canal comprised not only barbed wire entanglements and traps, but generally this stretch of canal was in a deep cutting of about 50 to 80 metres.

The Battle of the St. Quentin Canal (29th September - 2nd October 1918) was an attack launched on 29th September by US, French and British forces. A north-south stretch of this canal between St.

The British 4th Army and the French First Army had reached the canal sector in mid September, and were tasked with crossing the canal at the tunnel section or by the bridge

The canal ran through a tunnel at Bellicourt and there was a bridge further south of the tunnel at Bellenglise.

Haig's Fourth Army helps rupture the Hindenburg Line around the St Quentin Canal.

The Allies have advanced 8 miles & all the German defenses taken

Haig continues pressure beyond the Hindenburg Line as British forces attack the Beaurevoir defences.

By this time the Army Group of Flanders (GAF) comprised a total of 28 divisions from the Belgian, British and French Armies under the command of King Albert I of Belgium.

The Battle of Courtrai, also known as the Battle of Roulers or the Second Battle of Belgium (14th - 19th October 1918) followed on after a pause of a couple of weeks from the end of the Allied Flanders Advance.

The successful advance recaptured a number of Belgian towns including Menin, Courtrai, Roulers (Flemish name: Roeselare), Ostend, Bruges, Zeebrugge, and the French towns of Lille and Douai. Units of the advance reached the Dutch border by 19th October

By this time the Army Group of Flanders (GAF) comprised a total of 28 divisions from the Belgian, British and French Armies under the command of King Albert I of Belgium.

The Battle of Courtrai, also known as the Battle of Roulers or the Second Battle of Belgium (14th - 19th October 1918) followed on after a pause of a couple of weeks from the end of the Allied Flanders Advance.

The successful advance recaptured a number of Belgian towns including Menin, Courtrai, Roulers (Flemish name: Roeselare), Ostend, Bruges, Zeebrugge, and the French towns of Lille and Douai. Units of the advance reached the Dutch border by 19th October

The Second Battle of Cambrai (8th October - 10th October 1918) was a successful offensive by the British First, 3rd and 4th Armies with the support of tanks. The advance crossed three German lines of defence which were lightly manned, took Cambrai within two days and suffered very light casualties

By this time the Army Group of Flanders (GAF) comprised a total of 28 divisions from the Belgian, British and French Armies under the command of King Albert I of Belgium.

The Battle of Courtrai, also known as the Battle of Roulers or the Second Battle of Belgium (14th - 19th October 1918) followed on after a pause of a couple of weeks from the end of the Allied Flanders Advance.

The successful advance recaptured a number of Belgian towns including Menin, Courtrai, Roulers (Flemish name: Roeselare), Ostend, Bruges, Zeebrugge, and the French towns of Lille and Douai. Units of the advance reached the Dutch border by 19th October

By this time the Army Group of Flanders (GAF) comprised a total of 28 divisions from the Belgian, British and French Armies under the command of King Albert I of Belgium.

The Battle of Courtrai, also known as the Battle of Roulers or the Second Battle of Belgium (14th - 19th October 1918) followed on after a pause of a couple of weeks from the end of the Allied Flanders Advance.

The successful advance recaptured a number of Belgian towns including Menin, Courtrai, Roulers (Flemish name: Roeselare), Ostend, Bruges, Zeebrugge, and the French towns of Lille and Douai. Units of the advance reached the Dutch border by 19th October

The Second Battle of Cambrai (8th October - 10th October 1918) was a successful offensive by the British First, 3rd and 4th Armies with the support of tanks. The advance crossed three German lines of defence which were lightly manned, took Cambrai within two days and suffered very light casualties

The 2nd Allied attack of the Battle of Flanders commences

Ostend is liberated by the Allies during the Battle of Flanders

The Battle of the Selle (17th - 26th October 1918) took place as the Allies continued the advance after the Second Battle of Cambrai, recapturing French villages one by one as the German forces reatreated to the north-east

Ostend is liberated by the Allies during the Battle of Flanders

Bruges is liberated by the Allies during the Battle of Flanders

Bruges is liberated by the Allies during the Battle of Flanders

The Allies reach the Dutch border

The Battle of Valenciennes (1st November 1918) was an offensive carried out by the British 3rd Army to advance to the French-Belgian border and the city of Valenciennes. The city was re-captured by Canadian troops on 2nd November

On 1st November the Allied offensive started up and the third German defensive line was breached. As the advance progressed northwards the towns of Mezieres, Charleville and Sedan were recaptured

On 1st November the Allied offensive started up and the third German defensive line was breached. As the advance progressed northwards the towns of Mezieres, Charleville and Sedan were recaptured

On 1st November the Allied offensive started up and the third German defensive line was breached. As the advance progressed northwards the towns of Mezieres, Charleville and Sedan were recaptured

The Battle of Valenciennes (1st November 1918) was an offensive carried out by the British 3rd Army to advance to the French-Belgian border and the city of Valenciennes. The city was re-captured by Canadian troops on 2nd November

On 1st November the Allied offensive started up and the third German defensive line was breached. As the advance progressed northwards the towns of Mezieres, Charleville and Sedan were recaptured

The Battle of Valenciennes (1st November 1918) was an offensive carried out by the British 3rd Army to advance to the French-Belgian border and the city of Valenciennes. The city was re-captured by Canadian troops on 2nd November

The Battle of the Sambre (4th November 1918) was a continuation of the Allied advance by Haigs Army Group (the First, 3rd and 4th Armies and the French First Army) coming from the direction of Valenciennes. The Allied troops were to advance from the Conde Canal on a thirty mile front towards Maubeuge-Mons. The offensive included the the Second Battle of Guise (4th - 5th November 1918)

The Battle of the Sambre (4th November 1918) was a continuation of the Allied advance by Haigs Army Group (the First, 3rd and 4th Armies and the French First Army) coming from the direction of Valenciennes. The Allied troops were to advance from the Conde Canal on a thirty mile front towards Maubeuge-Mons. The offensive included the the Second Battle of Guise (4th - 5th November 1918)

The Battle of the Sambre (4th November 1918) was a continuation of the Allied advance by Haigs Army Group (the First, 3rd and 4th Armies and the French First Army) coming from the direction of Valenciennes. The Allied troops were to advance from the Conde Canal on a thirty mile front towards Maubeuge-Mons. The offensive included the the Second Battle of Guise (4th - 5th November 1918)

The Battle of the Sambre (4th November 1918) was a continuation of the Allied advance by Haigs Army Group (the First, 3rd and 4th Armies and the French First Army) coming from the direction of Valenciennes. The Allied troops were to advance from the Conde Canal on a thirty mile front towards Maubeuge-Mons. The offensive included the the Second Battle of Guise (4th - 5th November 1918)

The Battle of the Sambre (4th November 1918) was a continuation of the Allied advance by Haigs Army Group (the First, 3rd and 4th Armies and the French First Army) coming from the direction of Valenciennes. The Allied troops were to advance from the Conde Canal on a thirty mile front towards Maubeuge-Mons. The offensive included the the Second Battle of Guise (4th - 5th November 1918)

The Allies reach a line running from Terneuzen, Ghent, Scheldt River, Ath & St Ghislan

Awarded the Order of Merit

Created Earl of Bemersyde, 1st

Reports on military demobilisation after the armistice.

Appointed President of the British Legion