 German forces made significant gains , capturing Armentières . On 11 April , British Commander @-@ in @-@ Chief , General Haig , issued his " backs to the walls " order of the day . Five days later , Private Counter , 1st King 's , volunteered as a messenger , having witnessed five preceding runners killed . He was awarded the regiment 's last Victoria Cross . The 4th King 's experienced heavy fighting near Méteren and by 19 April had at least 489 casualties . Despite relentless battles , the Allies stabilised their front and Georgette was discontinued on 29 April after the Battle of the <unk> . The Liverpool Pals fought in that climax , with the 17th having to withdraw with the loss of " A " Company , while the 18th and 19th repelled their attackers . 
