Battle of Lys
The Battle of Lys was a World War I military engagement fiercely fought between the German Imperial Army and the Allied forces. It took place near Ypres, Belgium, from April 9 to April 29, 1918. The battle began with a German attack on the Portuguese-held positions on April 9, during Operation Georgette, which was part of the German Spring Offensive.
Summary
The German 6th Army, under Ludwig von Falkenhausen, punched a hole in the Portuguese lines and penetrated five miles into Allied territory, pushing north the next day, attacking the British positions. As a result, the British 19th Division and other units were forced to fall back as the German broke through and advanced one and a half mile on the Lys River.
Nevertheless, after more than two weeks of fierce battle, the German offensive ground to a halt as their supply lines had outstretched and the logistics could not keep up with the German advance. When Ludendorff and Falkenhausen called off Operation Georgette on April 29, the German forces had conquered Massines Ridge and the town of Scherpenberg.
