Lille - Occupation WW1

The city of Lille was occupied by the German Army for four years from the 13th October 1914 to 17th October 1918 when it was liberated by the British Fifth Army.

On the 4th August 1914 the Germans crossed the Belgian border triggering the start of hostilities in World War One. They launched the Schlieffen Plan which would see German Army's sweeping through Belgium and engaging the French Army on the French-German Border.

The German right flank passed 80 km west of Lille as they engaged the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) at Mons. The BEF and French Army were forced to retreat until they halted the German advance on the River Marne. The Germans withdrew to the River Aisne and began to dig in, the start of trench warfare on the Western Front which would come to symbolise the First World War.


German Schlieffen Plan August September 1914

To the north of Aisne was an open flank of 170 km to the English Channel. As each side looked to turn the flank of the other a 'Race to the Sea' developed and a series of battles occurred as the line began to extend north.


Race to the Sea 1914

Initially Lille was to be an open city and left undefended, however as the French Army began to block further German advances it was decided to reinforce the city on 4th October and defend it. The Germans looked to besiege the city surrounding it with 50,000 troops and artillery. The first rounds were fired on 10th October. The siege would last until 14th October. On 13th October the Germans concentrated artillery fire on the Douai gate and were able to breach the defences and move into the city.

German Army Douai Gate 1914

German Army Lille 1914

Lille 1914

 

Lille Town Hall 2018

 

Lille Town Hall Tower 2018

German Artillery Lille

German Occupation Lille Theatre

Lille Theatre 2018

German Parade Grand Place Lille

Grand Place Lille 2018

  

German Parade Grand Place Lille

German Parade Grand Place Lille

 Grand Place Lille 2018

Lille was situated 20km east of the battle front. As a communications centre many troops would pass through city. It would be a place for hospitals and recreation of troops.

German Occupation Lille

German Artillery Lille

Gare de Flandres

Gare de Flandres 2018

 As the 1918 allies offensive began to force the German Armies back, the German Army abandoned the city in September 1918. As they withdrew they blew up several bridges leaving the Pont-Neuf intact.

 



Western Front 16th October 1918.

 On the 17th October 1918 Troops of the British Fifth Army entered the undefended Lille.

British Army enter Lille October 1918

The British Army would parade through Lille  to officially liberate the city.

British troops Lille 1918

British troops Lille 1918

Royal Artillery Lille 1918

Royal Artillery Association Lille 2018

General Birdwood, commander Fifth Army, would present the Fifth Army flag to the Mayor of Lille.


General Birdwood presents Fifth Army Flag to Lille

Palais de La Biere Lille

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