take the city next
day was successfully repulsed. On October 8, the Germans, then holding
Douai and Lens, were shelling Lille, then held by the British
territorials. For the next two weeks artillery duels alternated with
trench fighting and skirmishing.

The main attack at La Bassee covered fully ten days, lasting from
October 22, 1914, to November 2, 1914. The first severe fighting came as
has already been mentioned, on October 22, 1914. The British were driven
out of the village of Violaines, which is situated on the road between
Lorgies and Givenchy, and General Smith-Dorrien was compelled to retreat
to the village of Faugissant, to the south of Lavantie.

On October 24, 1914, the Germans attacked heavily along the entire line,
and the First Gordon Highlanders were driven out of their trenches. For
three days the most savage fighting continued, resulting in the capture
of Neuve Chapelle by the Germans on October 27, which was defended by
East Indian troops. The fighting was desperate on both sides and became
much confused, as units here and there had succeeded in breaking through
their respective opponents' lines. All of this day and the next, October
28, this struggle continued, but the Germans maintained the ground they
had won, forcing the allied forces to retire in order to re-form their
lines.

On October 29, 1914, the Germans attacked at Festubert, and gained
several of the allied trenches after a severe struggle lasting
throughout the day. Again the Germans maintained their new position,
compelling the Indian troops to retire to the defense of the La Bassee
gate, where they were joined by several British brigades and the Second
Corps Artillery.

October 30, 1914, was consumed in continuous artillery duels, which held
the lines while the troops enjoyed much needed rest.

On October 31, 1914, the Indian forces were again savagely attacked by
the Germans whose machine guns enfiladed them in their trenches. This
attack has become noted for the great loss of British officers
commanding the Hindus.

Concurrent with this fighting the Germans also made the most savage
onslaughts further south, with the object of capturing Arras. The main
attack against this important French city began on October 20, 1914, and
lasted six days until the evening of October 26. The Germans in having
possession of Lens had a great advantage, as they were thereby enabled
to threaten the allied left center, which was stationed to the