In a counter-offensive the British, supported on their left by French divisions, reached the village of Becelaere, between Zonnebeke and Gheluvelt, but were unable to hold it.
Further south, the British were forced to abandon Zandvoorde and Hollebeke. Gheluvelt, first lost on October 30, was recaptured on the 31st in a counter-attack by the 1st Corps. Supported by three French battalions, the British subsequently repulsed all attacks and successfully barred the road from Menin to Ypres. On the evening of the 31st, the line in the eastern sector ran as follows: east of Frezenberg, Gheluvelt, east of Klein Zillebeke and the bend in the canal to the north-east of Hollebeke.
ON NOV. 1, THE SITUATION WAS CRITICAL IN THE EXTREME. THE GERMANS CAPTURED THE MESSINES-WYTSCHAETE RIDGE, AND THE BRITISH FELL BACK ON WULVERGHEM
The Germans were more successful to the south-east. After an intense bombardment they attacked, on October 30, from Saint-Yves to Wytschaete, capturing Saint-Yves and obtaining a footing in Messines, from which, however, they were immediately driven by a counter-attack.
On October 31, the Germans, after concentrating enormous masses of troops between Oosttaverne and Roozebeek Canal, made a fresh attack. In the morning they gained a footing in the eastern outskirts of Messines, but could get no further, thanks to a counter-attack by three French battalions with twelve guns from St. Eloi.
The Germans, however, redoubled their efforts, and towards noon, after a fierce struggle in the streets of Messines, the British cavalry were gradually forced back, but clung desperately to the western outskirts of the village. At about 3 p.m. a fierce struggle began for the recapture of the convent to the south of Messines, then in the enemy's hands. By night the British were in possession of the last houses west of Messines, the Germans holding the eastern crest.
