The designation of the place where any great battle has taken place,
and the limits of time within which it has lasted, were formerly much
more easily defined than now.

In my first dispatch reporting the details of the Battle of Ypres, I
think it was described as "The Battle of Ypres-Armentieres," and,
strictly speaking, that really would have been more correct.

I have mentioned this in order to draw attention to the fact that,
although the most critical point throughout this living line of battle
was east of the town of Ypres, yet the battle which was given that
name was fought on a front of many miles, extending from the sea at
Nieuport to the Bethune--Lille canal. Continuous and heavy fighting
went on for days all along this line.

At the beginning of the operations which I am about to narrate, my
plans were based generally on the agreement which I had come to with
Foch on the 10th instant. Nothing had occurred, so far, to raise any
great doubts in my mind as to the possibility of prosecuting the
offensive which we had arranged to put in movement. At the time of the
arrival of the 1st Corps, a few days later, increasing opposition had
made itself felt all along the Allied front in the north, and reports
reached us of a powerful offensive by the enemy towards Ypres and the
Yser. In consequence of this, my appreciation of the situation was
that I should have to make a very momentous decision between two most
perilous alternatives.

But, for the moment, at any rate, I felt complete confidence.
I met the Corps Commanders at Hazebrouck, and, in accordance with the
plans which Foch and I had agreed upon, directed them as follows:--

The 2nd Corps on the right was ordered to continue in its present
direction, making ground to the east.

The 3rd Corps was to advance and make good the River Lys between
Armentieres and Sailly-sur-Lys, and to endeavour to gain touch
with the 2nd Corps.

The cavalry under Allenby were to make good the river towards
Menin, and then, if possible, sweep round to the north and
north-east.

Rawlinson was to move with his right on Courtrai, keeping
generally level with the 3rd Corps in the subsequent advance,
should that prove possible; his cavalry under Byng were to move
to the north of him.

I had told Rawlinson that, whilst conforming to the general move east,
he must keep an eye on the enemy's detachments known to be at Brug