The 2nd Portuguese Division and the Battle of La Lys: A Review of Proper Context

Author:

Jesse Pyles

Report:

Newsletter 27

Year:

2025

Subject Matter:

WW1

Excerpt:

This article reviews the prevailing Anglophone narrative that the First British Army was tactically defeated at the Battle of La Lys because the officers and men of the 2^nd Portuguese Division ran from the battlefield before German infantry attacked. British Field Marshal, Douglas Haig, first told this narrative. The British official historian, J.E. Edmonds, enhanced it. Generations of Anglophone authors have uncritically cited it. The narrative, however, does not align with British and Portuguese combat records, written by men who served on the battlefield, forward of divisional headquarters. The narrative also lacks relevant context. The Portuguese soldiers that defended the front lines during this battle performed no worse than the British soldiers on their flanks. They also performed no worse than the British divisions that defended the front lines during Operation Michael.

The article can be downloaded here.