est of Lille. Along the
ridge is the road to Lille, Roubaix, and Tourcoing, all of which are
among the chief manufacturing towns of France. The occupation of the
ridge was a necessary step to the taking of Lille; and Neuve Chapelle
was at the gateway to the ridge. If the Allies could take Lille they
would then be in a position to move against their enemy between that
point and the sea.

The River Des Layes runs behind Neuve Chapelle to the southeast; and,
behind the river, a half mile from the straggling village, is a wood
known as the Bois du Biez. Almost at right angles to the river, on the
west, the main road from Estaires to La Bassee skirts Neuve Chapelle.
There is a triangle of roads north of the village where there were a
few large houses with walls, gardens, and orchards. At this point the
Germans had fortified themselves to flank the approaches to the
village from that section. These trenches were only about a hundred
yards from those of the British. The Germans had machine guns at a
bridge over the river; and they had another post established a little
farther up at the Pietre mill. Farther down the stream, where the road
into the village joins the main road to La Bassee, the Germans had
fortified a group of ruined buildings which was known as Port Arthur.
From there was a great network of trenches which extended
northwestward to the Pietre mill. There were also German troops in
the Bois du Biez, and in the ruined houses along the border of the
wood.

The German trenches were in excellent positions, but were occupied by
only a comparatively few soldiers; it was the German plan to keep
large bodies of troops in reserve, so that they might be sent to any
sector where the need seemed most likely. They have asserted they had
only four battalions in the front line here; but that statement is
denied by the British.

The British plan of attack embraced a heavy bombardment to demoralize
their enemy and prevent reenforcement. This was to be followed by an
infantry attack. It was expected that the Germans would be surprised
to such an extent it would be impossible for them to make much
resistance. Units of the First Army were to make the main attack,
supported by the Second Army. The support included a division of
cavalry. Among the large force of heavy artillery for the opening
bombardment were a number of French guns manned by French
artillerymen.

CHAPTER XIV

BATTLE OF NEUVE CHAPELLE BEGINS

Three h