Kemmel

First World War

This battle honour incorporates two separate honours awarded:

Date

1. 17-19 April 1918
2. 25-26 April 1918

Geographical parameters

1. Road Meteren – Mont de Cats – Boeschepe – Reninghelst – Ouderdom – Vierstraat – Wytschaete
2. Road Meteren – Mont des Cats – Boeschepe – Reninghelst – Vlamertinghe – Ypres (exclusive): thence the Comines Canal

Context

1. A battle honour formally entitled the “First Battle of Kemmel Ridge” and itself forming part of “The Battles of the Lys”^{Footnote 1}
2. A battle honour formally entitled the “Second Battle of Kemmel Ridge” and itself forming part of “The Battles of the Lys^{Footnote 2}

Description

On 9 April, 1918, the Germans started the second phase of their spring offensive with an attack in Flanders aimed at capturing the Channel ports. Their advance saw the fall of Messines and Armentières, followed by the loss of Bailleul and Kemmel. Field Marshal Haig issued his famous ‘backs to the wall' order on 11 April, urging his troops to hold out until the French army could come to their aid. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment played an important role in stopping the enemy advance which finally petered out at the end of April, its key objectives not taken.

Awarded to:

Currently serving units

• The Royal Newfoundland Regiment
  Award to The Royal Newfoundland Regiment (Award to The Royal Newfoundland Regiment (1914-1919) (Adjutant General, War Office, to Official Secretary, Office of the High Commissioner for Canada, 14 Dec 1951))