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Pozieres Ridge 26, Somme day 49


Engagement/Skirmish Name : Pozieres Ridge 26, Somme day 49

Date(s) : 18 August 1916

Part of : First World War , The Western Front , The Battle of the Somme ,

Outcome : A victory for British & Commonwealth Forces over German Forces

Type of battle : Land

Summary

Following a heavy bombardment strong attacks were put in along most of the front. All three Corps of the Fourth Army and two Corps of the Reserve Army were involved. Heavy casualties were sustained and significant gains were made.

More details

XIV Corps. The 3rd Division initially made good progress reaching the Guillemont-Hardecourt road but they were forced to withdraw. To the north of the 3rd Division the 24th Division right flank made limited progress as far as the quarry where they lodged in the old German front line. Further north their left flank took the station and part of the Waterlot Farm road [their second objective]. Further north still the north section of ZZ Trench was taken.
XV Corps. [to the north of XIV Corps] The 14th Division attacking from Delville Wood after a 36 hour bomberdment found their objective, Beer Trench almost obliterated. The tropops who took Edge Trench [6th Duke of Cornwall's LI ] were bombed out by a German counter attack. Hop Alley which link Beer and Edge trenches was taken and held, two counter-attacks being repulsed. To the left of Delville Wood Orchard Trench was taken and a new line dug beyond it. Attempts to take Wood Lane were unsuccessful. The 33rd Division attacked High Wood and the lane near to it. Repeated attempts to get forward were unsuccessful.
III Corps. Some of the 1st Division troops attacking High Wood went too early and were almost wiped out by their own artillery barrage. Another attack towards Intermediate Trench was broken by German artillery. A second attempt to take Intermediate Trench was stopped by rifle and machine gun fire as the British artillery had fallen short of the target.
Anzac Corps. The 1st Australian Division attacked a variety of objectives all along its line. Most of them were unsuccessful but posts were established in Quarry Trench and the line was consolidated level with the Quarry.
II Corps. The 48th Division took Hindenburg Trench and Nab Valley. They also increased their hold on the Skyline Trench and the area due west of it.