La Lys.

Operation Georgette
On 7 April 1918 the German 6th Army launched the second part of Ludendorff's strategic plan. Originally named George it had been watered down enough for it to have been re-named Georgette.

The objective was Ieper.

In a swinging blow the 6th Army would break the Allied Line under Armentières whilst the 4th Army would attack Ieper in an encircling move from the north.

Sometimes known as the 4th Battle of Ypres, it is more correctly termed the Battle of the Lys.

The Portuguese

The first blow fell at Neuve Chapelle on 9 April 1918 against the 2nd Portuguese Division.

Alongside and in support, the British Divisions in the sector had all been involved in Operation Michael on the Somme (The first part of Ludendorff's Spring Offensive) and had been sent north to rest and take on new recruits.

Many Battalions were tired, under strength and with a high percentage of untried raw recruits.

At 04:15 hours the German bombardment began and at 08:00 hours trench mortars were added to finish off the Allied front line. 45 minutes later, four German Divisions made up of well trained and rested assault troops threw themselves at the Portuguese lines.

The Portuguese had already started to retire in the face of the bombardment and apart from a few isolated positions gave the Germans no opposition at all. Within the hour the front line was taken along with 6,000 prisoners.

More here.