THE GERMAN THRUST OF OCT. 29—30, 1914 (29—30/10)
To make up for their setback in the race to the sea, the German High Command decided on a strenuous effort to break through the Allies' front at Ypres. The "Battle for Calais" was about to begin. The enemy confidently expected to reach the coast, from which they hoped to expose England to such peril as would break down the pride of that troublesome enemy.
The German attack began on October 29 under the eye of the Kaiser, who, for the following five days, took up his quarters at Thielt, whence he arranged to make a triumphal entry into Ypres.
For seventeen days (October 29—November 15) the German regiments, elated by the presence of their Emperor, fought with unheard-of frenzy and an utter disregard of losses in their frantic attacks against the Ypres salient.
ON OCT. 31, THE GERMANS MADE PROGRESS, SOUTH OF YPRES, BUT WERE DRIVEN BACK, EASTWARDS, TO GHELUVELT
To the east of Ypres the action fought between Poelcappelle and Gheluvelt failed. The fierce German attacks, in spite of the masses of men engaged, broke down before the stubborn resistance of the Allies.