Battle of Frezenberg Ridge (8 mai 1915 – 13 mai 1915)

Description:

The Germans moved field artillery forward, placing three army corps opposite the 27th and 28th Divisions on the Frezenberg Ridge (50.868°N 2.950°E). The German attack began on 8 May with a bombardment of the 83rd Brigade in trenches on the forward slope of the ridge, but the first and second infantry assaults were repelled by the survivors. However, the third German assault of the morning pushed the defenders back. Although the neighboring 80th Brigade repulsed the attack, the 84th Brigade was pushed back; this left a 2-mile (3.2 km) gap in the line. The Germans were prevented from advancing further by Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI)'s counter-attacks and a night move by the 10th Brigade. The PPCLI held the line at a steep cost; their 700-man force was reduced to 150, who was in no shape to fight. After this, their unofficial motto—"Holding up the whole damn line"—is still used today.