Battle of Givenchy
Encyclopedia
Battle of Givenchy was a battle fought during World War I
as part of the First Battle of Champagne
, that saw an initially advancing British
force face strong opposition and counter-attack from a solidly entrenched German
force around the village of Givenchy
.
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.
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 focused 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.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
as part of the First Battle of Champagne
First Battle of Champagne
The First Battle of Champagne was fought early in World War I in the Champagne region of France, between the French and German Empire armies. It was effectively the first significant attack by the Allies against the Germans since the construction of trenches following the so-called 'Race to the...
, that saw an initially advancing British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
force face strong opposition and counter-attack from a solidly entrenched German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
force around the village of Givenchy
Givenchy (disambiguation)
Givenchy may refer to:* Givenchy, a French brand of clothing, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics with Parfums Givenchy. Founded by Hubert de Givenchy-Places:...
.
With the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
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.
Sharp fighting broke out on 19 December when Indian troops from the Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
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 focused 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
Douglas Haig
Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig was a British soldier and senior commander during World War I.Douglas Haig may also refer to:* Club Atlético Douglas Haig, a football club from Argentina* Douglas Haig , American actor...
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.