*VIRTUAL TOUR - The Somme Offensive 1 Continued*

THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE OFFENSIVE


The general direction of the Somme Offensive was towards Cambrai, aimed at reaching the main Northern line of communications, by opening a gap between Bapaume and Péronne. The main sector of attack, between the rivers Ancre and Somme, was flanked on either side by diversion sectors North of the Ancre and South of the Somme.

Gains on the German failure at Verdun, where the Enemy massed, gradually became blocked in a narrow sector, around seven and a half miles wide, allowing the Allies to expand their front of attack. After an efficient pounding by the Artillery, which annihilated the majority of obstacles to a considerable depth, the assaulting waves went forward simultaneously along the 20-mile front, feeling for a weak sector where a breach could be made. The attack was a complete success in the diversion sector, South of the Somme, thanks to the nature of the ground, but, as previously stated, it was not possible to follow it up immediately. However, North of the Somme the British Offensive was held back by the superior German defences. Warned by the extensive preparations, the Germans were not taken unawares; their Reserves flowed in and resisted on new defensive positions.

The initially attempted break-through between the 1st and 12th July soon changed into a Battle of attrition, which lasted from the 14th July 1916, to March 1917. Due to the fact that the British Artillery was the key to the success of the Somme Offensive, failure happened because it did not have the ability to cut all the wire, destroy deep German trenches, knock out all enemy guns, or provide a useful barrage for the Infantry attack. At Zero Hour, the Artillery shifted away from the German front trenches too quickly, leaving the Infantry exposed. The Allies’ new plan was to gradually shatter the German resistance by a continuous push along the whole line, and by vigorous action at the various strong points. Although the gains of ground diminished considerably, the German Reserves were gradually being used up; thereby, making life slightly easier for the Allies. In spite of their hastily constructed system of new defences, the Germans realised the precarious nature of their new lines, and in March 1917 they were forced to fall back to shorten their Front-Line.

Going Over The Top



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