Backs to the wall
On 9 April 1918 the Germans attacked in Flanders and took that part of the Front held by the Portuguese.
This led to a retreat from the British line — and the German Army came within reach of the channel ports held by the Allies.
General Haig issued an order to help strengthen the resolve of the hard-pressed British troops.
'Every position must be held to the last man: there must be no retirement. With our backs to the wall and believing in the justice of our cause each one of us must fight on to the end.'
