3510 Heroics On The Edge of Passchendaele: The New Zealand Division and the Capture of La Basseville, July 1917

The History Network

In the early stages of the Battle, aimed at capturing the high ground east and south of Ypres, the men of the New Zealand Division were tasked with capturing the village of La Basseville, southwest of the Messines Ridge (where the division had fought in June). La Basseville was situated on the Lys River (the border with France) and on the extreme right of Haig’s grand offensive. The New Zealanders' attack would act as a distraction to the German forces and, hopefully, cause them to divert troops away from the centre of Haig’s main attack. The Germans were under instructions that Warneton (an important rail hub), just north of La Basseville and with it La Basseville, must be held. Dur: 20mins File: .mp3