Lys - Battle of Estaires

In the Spring of 1918 the German Army launched their Spring Offensive, der Kaiserschlacht (Kaiser's Battle). Their aim, to defeat the Allies before the American Army could be brought up to strength in France. The German Army had been strengthened by 50 Divisions from the Eastern Front as hostilities with the Russians ended with the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.

The offensive would ultimately consist of 5 separate operations:

Offensive	Dates	Code Name	Location
First	21 March to 5 April 1918	Michael	Somme Sector
Second	9 April to 29 April 1918	Georgette	Armentieres Sector
Third	27 May to 4 June 1918	Blucher	Aisne / Chenin Des dammes
Fourth	8 June to 12 June	Gneisenau	Aisne
Fifth	15 July to 17 July	Reims-Marneschutz	Reims / Marne



German Spring Offensive
der Kaiserschlacht

After the Operation Michael failed to make a breakthrough in the Somme Sector, the Germans turned their attention to Flanders. Their aim was to breakthrough the British lines and head for the Channel Ports cutting the lines of supply.

On the 9th April the German First Army launched their attack after a 2 day bombardment. The main focus of the attack was the Portuguese 2nd Division in the area around Neuve Chappelle. The Portuguese after hours of heavy fighting were forced to withdraw towards Estaires.

 



Portuguese National Cemetery
Richebourg



The 50th Northumbrian Division were in reserve along the River Lys. The Division had been deployed to the area after suffering heavy casualties on the Somme when the Germans launched Operation Michael.

The 50th Northumbrian Division were deployed to block the German attack and became engaged in the Battle of Estaires.

The Germans were able to break through the British lines along a 15km  (9.3 miles) front to a depth of 8km (5 miles). As the British retreated Field Marshall Haig issued a communique, a special order of the day urging the British Army "to fight it out", "every position must be held to the last man", "no retirement".

Defending crossing points on the River Lys, the Northumbrian Division were able to slow the advance, though the Germans eventually forced themselves across the river. After heavy fighting the front stabilised and the advance was blocked.

Bridge at Estaires on River Lys

 The Germans launched more attacks to the north over the next two weeks forcing more ground to be given up. However, by the 29th April 1918, the  German onslaught had been stopped. The Germans would advance no further during World War One.

German Offensive on the Lys April 1918