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Arras
Tag
(09)
1914
August
29
French abandon Arras
At the end of August 1914 French territorial units withdrew from Arras. The Artois town was left undefended as the Germans approached.
September
27
Key event
First Battle of Artois begins
On 27 September 1914 the Race to the Sea reached Artois. The French and Germans began fighting for Arras, Lens and the heights that shaped the front for years.
30
French return to Arras
On 30 September 1914 fresh French units of General de Maud'huy's group entered Arras. A day later heavy fighting began around the town.
October
01
Key event
Battle of Arras begins
On 1 October 1914 three German corps attacked between Arras and Douai. The Battle of Arras began, the heaviest phase of the fighting in Artois.
04
Battle of Arras ends
On 4 October 1914 Maud'huy considered retreating from Arras, but Joffre forbade it and sent Foch north. Arras was saved, and the Germans took Lens.
12
First Battle of Artois ends
On 12 October 1914 the First Battle of Artois ended. The French held Arras, but Lens and the heights of Vimy and Lorette remained in German hands.
1915
May
09
Key event
Second Battle of Artois begins
On 9 May 1915 the French Tenth Army attacked near Arras. Pétain's corps reached Vimy Ridge in two hours, but without reserves it could not hold it.
June
18
Second Battle of Artois ends
On 18 June 1915 Foch halted the offensive near Arras. The last attack on Vimy Ridge failed, and the French had lost more than 100,000 men in the battle.
September
25
Key event
Third Battle of Artois begins
On 25 September 1915 the French Tenth Army again attacked Vimy Ridge. The left wing reached Souchez, but on the rest of the front the attack broke down.