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First Battle of Ypres, (October 19–November 22, 1914), first of three costly battles of World War I in western Flanders. The Allies and the Germans failed to outflank each other, and both sides settled into the trench warfare that would characterize the remainder of the war on the Western Front.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Haig also recommended that the British should draw in German reserves by renewing the offensive around Ypres, which did not meet with political approval. By now Haig's 1917 offensives were being criticised in the press and in Parliament, where J.C. Wedgwood openly demanded a change of command.
Foch planned a joint advance from Ypres to Nieuwpoort, towards a line from Roeselare (Roulers), Thourout and Gistel, just south of Ostend. Foch intended to isolate the German III Reserve Corps, which was advancing from Antwerp, from the main German force in Flanders.
- 19 October-22 November 1914
- Indecisive
German forces forced the Belgian army out of Antwerp, ultimately ending up in Ypres. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF), under Sir John French, took over the line from Ypres south to La Bassee in France, from which point the French army continued the line down to the Swiss border.
Haig succeeded Field Marshal Sir John French as Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force on 19 December 1915. His period in command remains a much-debated subject among historians. He predicted a breakthrough in his offensives on the Somme in 1916 and at Ypres in 1917, but neither campaign delivered on this.
Haig served as commander in chief of British Home Forces from 1918 until his retirement in 1921. He also helped establish the Royal British Legion and worked hard to raise funds for it.
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By August 1914 - the start of the First World War - Haig commanded 1st Army Corps within the BEF as Lieutenant General. At this time the BEF was under the control of Sir John French . Haig's 1st Army Corps served with distinction at Mons and at First Ypres.
