Battles - The Battle of Givenchy, 1914
Fought from 18-22 December 1914 the Battle of Givenchy saw an initially
advancing British force face strong opposition (and counter-attack) from a
solidly entrenched German force around the village of Givenchy (in
Pas-de-Calais, and which was held by the British).
With the French under heavy pressure at Arras the order was given that the British force would provide relief by attacking the Germans around Givenchy, thus preventing German reinforcement of Arras from that quarter at least.
Sharp fighting broke out on 19 December when Indian troops from the Lahore division launched an attack, successfully capturing two lines of German trenches. However their success was short-lived: a prompt and aggressive counter-action pushed the Indian troops back out again.
The following day the British force was caught somewhat by surprise by a heavy attack launched by the now reinforced Germans around Givenchy. The force of the German attack was clearly focussed against the trenches held by the same Indian troops who had initiated operations on the previous day.
Defensive tactics were severely hampered by the conditions of the Indian trenches, heavily waterlogged as they were. Consequently the German force broke through and managed to occupy part of Givenchy until two British reserve battalions were brought into action, with the result that the village was back in British hands by the close of 20 December.
Nevertheless the German counter-attacks continued and several salients were driven into the British line until reinforcements from First Army were brought up by Douglas Haig the following day. With the fresh influx of men - relieving the Indian division - the line was restored to its original position.
Thus fighting died down on 22 December with the opposing lines where they had started. British casualties ran at twice those of the German force: 4,000 against 2,000.
Click here to view a map of the German retreat following the Marne battle, the subsequent race to the sea and the resultant stabilised trench lines.
Photograph courtesy of Photos of the Great War website
A "British warm" was a heavy issue greatcoat for officers.
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