Ex Magpie Progress 25 - 1st Ypres Gheluvelt

 On Saturday 31st October 1914 the Germans attempted to break through the British defensive line at Gheluvelt 15km SE of Ypres. 

The initial assault was repelled. Around 10:00 after intense shelling a second attack was launched and by 11:30 German troops were in Gheluvelt and the British line had been pierced. 

Brigadier-General Charles FitzClarence VC, Commander of 1st (Guards) Brigade committed  last available reserves, the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and lead a counter-attack in the area of the Gheluvelt  Chateau . The counter-attack was successful and the line restored. 

Gheluvelt Chateau 2nd Worcester Counter Attack 1914

Gheluvelt Chateau 2025

Gheluvelt Battlefield Study briefing

Ypres 2016 - Battle of Gheluvelt

Following the failure of the German forces to breakthrough the allied lines during offensive operations around Ypres in October 1914, Chief Of Staff General Falkenhayn visited Crown Prince Rupprecht commander of the Sixth Army. The Germans looked to renew the offensive by the formation of Army Group Fabeck. The intent was to launch attacks along the front in Flanders, and to focus the newly formed Army Group on the area from Ploegsteert Wood to Gheluvelt.

Gheluvelt looking East

Gheluvelt was central to the main German assault. On the 31st October the Germans launched their assault. An initial attack was repulsed, however, by 11:30 he defenders of Gheluvelt were overwhelmed, the British line had been pierced. The road to Ypres lay open.

Battle of Gheluvelt

To restore the line the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment made a charge through the Chateau at  Ghelvulet to restore the line.

2nd Worcestershire Counter Attack
Gheluvelt 1914

Gheluvelt 2016

Gheluvelt Church 1914

Gheluvelt Church 2016