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Pozieres Ridge 9, Somme day 30


Engagement/Skirmish Name : Pozieres Ridge 9, Somme day 30

Date(s) : 30 July 1916

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

Outcome : An inconclusive engagement between British & Commonwealth Forces and German Forces

Type of battle : Land

Summary

Strong attacks along the whole of the Fourth Army front led to small gains and heavy losses. Among the losses were the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers who were cut off and overrun. A section of the German front line was taken.

More details

All three corps of the Fourth Army attempted to advance their front. On the left III Corps, 19th Division attacked towards the main German trench under a smoke screen. They gained half an intermediate trench, repulsed a counter attack and consolidated their gains. Further attempts to advance failed under heavy machine gun fire.
XV Corps, 5th Division advanced at 0610hrs from Longueval they met strong resistance and units went to ground in shell holes. They were supported through the day.
The 51st Division's objective was the southern corner of High Wood. Repeated attacks were unsuccessful and survivors dug in 200yds in front of their start line.
XIII Corps. In a very strong advance by 30th Division certain elements pushed nearly a mile from their start line. However their long thin salient was untenable and lead units pulled back. The 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers were cut off and overrun. Parts of the German front line which had been taken were held and consolidated. The 2nd Division did not get far from their start line before they were forced to withdraw.