 While the battle raged in Arras , the Allies prepared for an offensive in the north , in Flanders . " Third Ypres " ( or Passchendaele ) became notorious for conditions that transformed the terrain of shell holes and trenches into a quagmire of mud . Ten of the regiment 's battalions were active in the first stage , the Battle of <unk> Ridge ( 31 July – 2 August ) . Six belonged to the 55th Division , situated in the Wieltje sector , north of the Liverpool Pals . The territorial battalions overcame their first and second objectives , but progress was difficult . Confusion prevailed during the 18th King 's and 2nd <unk> nocturnal advance through Sanctuary Wood . The Pals battalions had to consolidate in front of the 30th Division 's initial objective . The King 's losses accumulated , surpassing 1 @,@ 800 by the 3rd , with the supporting 1 / 8th 's casualties the heaviest at 18 officers and 304 other ranks . The 10th 's medical officer , Captain Chavasse , received a posthumous , second Victoria Cross for attending to , and recovering , wounded in spite of his own wounds and fatigue during the battle . He succumbed to his wounds on 4 August . 
