MOVE TO THE NORTH AND FIRST BATTLE OF YPRES 1914 The diminishing pressure of the Germans on the Aisne had made it evident that an attempt by them to reach the Channel ports would be made very soon.

This would best be frustrated by an outflanking movement of the Allies to the north, with the ultimate aim of joining hands with the Belgian Army at that time holding Antwerp.

Sir John French was most anxious to place the British Army in its original position on the left of the French, as it was based on Boulogne, Calais and Dunkirk.
The II British Corps was the first to move from the Aisne and prolonged the French line towards La Bassee; the I and III Corps extending inwards to relieve it.

Next followed the III Corps, relieved by the French and destined to take its place north of the II Corps towards Bailleul.
The Cavalry Corps advanced north of the III Corps towards Kemmel, and at a later date the I Corps, handing over to the French, was moved towards Ypres, while the 7th Division, just arrived in France, was directed on Menin.
The III Corps consisted of the 4th and 6th Divisions under Lt.-Gen.
Pulteney.

The period 6th to 9th October was occupied in the march to the entraining station near Compiegne.