Battle of Festubert

Battle of Festubert
Part of the Second Battle of Artois on the Western Front of the First World War

Front line following the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, (10–13 March 1915)
Date15–25 May 1915
Location
South of Neuve Chapelle, France
50°32′38″N 2°44′10″E / 50.54389°N 2.73611°E / 50.54389; 2.73611
Result German victory
Territorial
changes
Minor British gains
Belligerents

 British Empire

 German Empire

Commanders and leaders
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Douglas Haig German Empire Crown Prince Rupprecht
Strength
6 divisions 3 divisions
Casualties and losses
British Empire 16,648 German Empire c. 5,000

The Battle of Festubert (15–25 May 1915) was an attack by the British army in the Artois region of France on the western front during World War I. The offensive formed part of a series of attacks by the French Tenth Army and the British First Army in the Second Battle of Artois (3 May – 18 June 1915). After the failure of the breakthrough attempt by the First Army in the attack at Aubers Ridge (9 May 1915) tactics of a short hurricane bombardment and an infantry advance with unlimited objectives, were replaced by the French practice of slow and deliberate artillery-fire intended to prepare the way for an infantry attack.

A continuous three-day bombardment by the British heavy artillery was planned, to cut wire and demolish German machine-gun posts and infantry strong points. The German defences were to be captured by a continuous attack, by one division from Rue du Bois to Chocolat Menier Corner and by a second division 600 yd (550 m) north, which was to capture the German trenches to the left of Festubert. The objectives were 1,000 yd (910 m) forward, rather than the 3,000 yd (1.7 mi; 2.7 km) depth of advance attempted at Aubers Ridge. The battle was the first British attempt at attrition.

  1. ^ "Indian Army on the Western Front". Retrieved 10 August 2020.