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Born-London

First Battle of Ypres

Between 21st October and 22nd November, 1914 a desperate fight took place around the Belgium city of Ypres, the first of three major battles that were to be fought there during the course of the war. British troops entered Ypres in October. The 1st and 2nd Divisions plus the 3rd Cavalry Division had made their way up from the Aisne as part of the “Race to the Sea”, whilst the 7th Division came west to Ypres after Antwerp had fallen. The Germans knew that Ypres was the gateway to the Channel ports and that these were vital to Britain’s war effort so they poured reinforcements into the area. The fighting fell into three distinct battles; the Battle of Langemarck, 21-24 October, the Battle of Gheluvelt, 29-31 October and the Battle of Nonne Bosschen, 11 November. Ypres did not fall to the Germans but its defence during these two months resulted in the destruction of much of the old regular British Army.

On 15th November, 1914, the 10th Hussars of 6th Cavalry Brigade, 3rd Cavalry Division left their billets near Vlamertinghe and moved to a farm north of Hooge in support of 3rd Division. When their presence here was no longer needed they rode to Ypres and then marched to a position between Hooge and Zillebeke where two of their squadrons moved into the firing line. During the afternoon of 17th November these two Squadrons, A and C, came under attack with the enemy getting to within a few yards of their trenches. B Squadron was sent up to assist and the attack was repelled at the cost of 20 casualties for 10th Hussars including William Hilliard who was killed.