The battle of Langemarck, 21-24 October 1914, was part of the
wider first battle of Ypres (19 October-22 November). It began
as an encounter battle, between troops of the British I corps
and German troops, both advancing to make an attack. It ended
with the Allies on the defensive around Ypres, holding off the
first of a series of fierce German attacks that would be typical
of the remained of the battle of Ypres. At the end of 20 October
the two divisions of I corps were separated by Ypres. Sir John
French ordered the corps to move to Langemarck and then launch
an attack to the north, with the ambitious aim of liberating
Bruges. French believed that there was only one German army
corps north of Ypres, when there were actually five between
Ypres and the coast. The start of the British attack was delayed
by the time needed for the two divisions of I corps to reach
Langemarck. Some progress was made, before the advancing British
began to encounter an increasing number of German troops, also
advancing to the atta