Part 4/12:
Despite the physical challenges, the fighting continued. The Allies prepared for the upcoming Champagne Offensive—the first major attack on the Western Front since trench warfare became the norm. On December 18, Indian troops succeeded in capturing a section of German trenches at Guinchy-on-Goel, only to be counterattacked two days later. The relentless back-and-forth underscored the hopelessness of the stalemate.
The heavy casualties and minimal territorial gains caused many commanders to become increasingly desperate. British Commander John French issued a controversial order on December 21, demanding continued aggressive engagement, even recommending the sinking of enemy ships if they appeared beyond rescue.