On October 15, Belgian divisions holding the inundated front, from Dixmude to Nieuport, crossed the Yser in pursuit of the enemy, who hurriedly retreated to the north-east.
The Two Stages in the Flanders Offensive.
On October 17, the Belgian infantry reached Ostend, while their cavalry, before the gates of Bruges, heard the belfry chimes joyfully announce the precipitate departure of the last of the enemy troops. The Allies' advance had been so rapid that the Germans had not time to set fire to the city. On the coast, the port of Zeebrugge, together with huge quantities of stores, fell into the hands of the Belgians.
The whole of the maritime Plain of Flanders was thus liberated. The exhausted, demoralised enemy were in full retreat.
On November 11, beyond Ghent, the Armistice saved them from the utter rout into which their defeat was fast degenerating.
[A Visit to the Battlefield of the YSER]
AND
THE BELGIAN COAST.
