All of this day and the next, October 28, this struggle continued,
but the Germans maintained the ground they had won, forcing the
allied forces to retire in order to re-form their lines.
On October 29, 1914, the Germans attacked at Festubert, and gained
several of the allied trenches after a severe struggle lasting
throughout the day. Again the Germans maintained their new position,
compelling the Indian troops to retire to the defense of the La
Bassee gate, where they were joined by several British brigades
and the Second Corps Artillery.
October 30, 1914, was consumed in continuous artillery duels, which
held the lines while the troops enjoyed much needed rest.
On October 31, 1914, the Indian forces were again savagely attacked
by the Germans whose machine guns enfiladed them in their trenches.
This attack has become noted for the great loss of British officers
commanding the Hindus.
Concurrent with this fighting the Germans also made the most savage
onslaughts further south, with the object of capturing Arras. The
main attack against this important French city began on October
20, 1914, and lasted six days until the evening of October 26.
The Germans in having possession of Lens had a great advantage,
as they were thereby enabled to threaten the allied left center,
which was stationed to the west of Lens; for, just south from the
town, ran a railway which connected with the main line three miles
east of Arras, called the Arras-Douai-Lille line.
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