The Belgian army fought Defending the defensive Defending Battle of the Yser ( 16–31 October ) from Nieuwpoort ( Nieuport ) south to Diksmuide ( Dixmude ) , as the German 4th Army attacked Attack westwards and French , British and some Belgian troops fought Hostile_encounter the First Battle Hostile_encounter of Ypres ( 19 October – 22 November ) against the 4th and 6th armies .