an attack in
the neighborhood of Dixmude and Bixschoote.

Our turn came next. After eight days of comparative relaxation we were
under constant pressure from Tuesday, Nov. 3, to Tuesday, the 10th. The
next day saw a repetition of the great attempt of the Germans to break
through our lines to the French coast.

What was realized might happen did happen. In spite of the immense
losses suffered by the enemy during the five-day attack against Ypres,
which lasted from Oct. 29 to the 2d of this month, the cessation of
their more violent efforts on the latter day did not signalize the
abandonment of the whole project, but merely the temporary
relinquishment of the main offensive until fresh troops had been massed
to carry on what was proving to be a costly and difficult operation.

Meanwhile the interval was employed in endeavoring to wear out the
Allies by repeated local attacks of varying force and to shatter them by
a prolonged and concentrated bombardment. By the 11th, therefore, it
seems that they considered they had attained both objects, for on that
day they recommenced the desperate battle for the possession of Ypres
and its neighborhood.

Though the struggle has not yet come to an end, this much can be said:
The Germans have gained some ground, but they have not captured Ypres.

In repulsing the enemy so far we have suffered heavy casualties, but
battles of this fierce and prolonged nature cannot but be costly to both
sides. We have the satisfaction of knowing that we have foiled the enemy
in what appears to be at present his main object in the western theatre
of operations, and have inflicted immensely greater losses on him than
those we have suffered ourselves.

To carry on the narrative for the three days of the 10th, 11th, and 12th
of November:

Tuesday, the 10th, was uneventful for us. At some distance beyond our
left flank the enemy advanced in force against the French and were
repulsed. Directly on our left, however, along the greater part of the
front, shelling was less severe, and no infantry attacks took place.

To the southeast of Ypres the enemy kept up a very heavy bombardment
against our line, as well as that of the French. On our left centre the
situation remained unchanged, both sides contenting themselves with
furious cannonading. In our centre the Germans retained their hold on
the small amount of ground which they had gained from us, but in doing
so incurred a heavy loss from our artillery