Clash of Steel
for Military History & Aviation enthusiasts

Translate this Page

Search :

Pozieres Ridge 20, Somme day 43


Engagement/Skirmish Name : Pozieres Ridge 20, Somme day 43

Date(s) : 12 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

All three Corps of the Fourth Army and two Corps of the Reserve Army were in action. Some gains were made but quite heavy casualties were sustained.

More details

XIII Corps. The 55th Division reached their objective, the spur to the south of Guillemont, after a bombardment which started at 1530hrs and a zero hour of 1715hrs. However they were pulled back that night.
XV Corps. After only 15 minutes of bombardment 15th Division attacked Switch Line at 2230hrs. The right of the line [12 Highland LI] were checked by machine-gun fire. Troops on the left [6/7 Royal Scots Fusiliers & 6th Camerons] occupied and consolidated the trench. A link was made with the Anzacs in Munster Alley.
III Corps. During the day German attacks were held. At night an attempt to take the remainder of Intermediate Trench by frontal assault was unsuccessful.
Anzac Corps. Their attack was pushed forward from Ration Trench and Park Lane. Parts of their objective were reached but the advanced elements were pulled back to establish a line of posts 100 yards short of their objective.
II Corps. The 12th Division successfully assaulted Skyline Trench, occupied it but found resistance too strong for any futher advance. 'Holding attacks' put in to occupy the enemy while the main thrust went forward incurred heavy casualties.
49th Division made some gains against the German barricades in their original front line.