Rifles mauled at La Bassée

In the Battle of La Bassée, which lasted from 12 October until the end of the month, the 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Rifles received its first severe mauling of the war.

The bitter and bloody battle began in the area of the village of Neuve Chappelle, which both sides tried to capture. On 26 October while the Rifles' two rear companies were withdrawn from the line for a short rest, there occurred yet another savage German attack, which overwhelmed the two forward companies. All ranks were posted as missing.

The two resting companies returned to the battle forthwith, along with other British units. There then followed a confused melee of house to house fighting in the battered ruins, as each side struggled for control of Neuve Chappelle, but by 27 October it was clear that the Germans had won.

The 2nd Battalion was then relieved - their strength at this time had diminished to 2 officers and 46 other ranks. Their gallant self-sacrifice had helped to save the British line from crumbling under the German onslaught.