Battles to make dates (11)
I believe the answer is:
engagements
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'battles' is the first definition.
('engagement' can be a synonym of 'battle')
'dates' is the second definition.
('engagement' can be a synonym of 'date')
'to make' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for engagements that I've seen before include "Appointments" , "jobs" , "Fights" .)