Battle of Festubert
Festubert, Pas-de-Calais, France
What happened
The British attacked a bulge in the German line between Neuve Chapelle and Festubert, starting late at night on 15 May. It was the first British night attack of the war. A 60-hour bombardment had not badly damaged the German front line, and the attacks over the next ten days made little progress.
Why it matters
The British gained about 3 km. It was meant to help the French attack on Vimy Ridge by drawing German troops to the British front.
What came next
The fighting ended on 25 May as part of the larger Second Battle of Artois.
Did you know?
The Beauly shinty club renamed its pavilion after the Paterson brothers, Donald and Alasdair, who were killed in the battle and had helped win the 1913 Camanachd Cup. Donald's bagpipes were recovered in the early 1980s and played at the centenary commemorations.
Timeline
- 10–13 Mar 1915Battle of Neuve Chapelle.
- 9 May 1915Battle of Aubers Ridge.
- 15 May 1915Battle of Festubert begins.
- 25 May 1915The battle ends.