Pozieres - Holding the Heights Part 1

The 2nd Division Takes Over

Tramway Trench - the assembly area for the attack of the 7th Brigade.

With the 1st Division exhausted after capturing Pozieres village, the 2nd Division took over the line and prepared for the next phase of the attack - taking and holding the heights. General Legge was charged with setting the time for this next attempt, but even before he could begin working on the plan, his 17th Battalion was dragged into the fighting in support of a British attempt to seize OG1. Over the next two days, plans were formulated, despite suffering serious losses from German artillery. But by dusk of the 28th July 1916, all was in place.

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The Bigger Picture showing Pozieres in relation to Thiepval, Courcelette and Grandcourte.

Official History.

The Pozieres frontline showing location of The Windmill and The Elbow.

Official History.

Location of the British attack which ended up dragging the 17th Battalion into the fighting before General Legge had even set a start date.

Official History

The intended thrust of the 2nd Division attack on the night of the 28th July 1916.

Official History

2nd Division Order of Battle for 28th July 1916.

Official History.

A section of the obliterated trench south of Bapaume Road. Troops moving forward or back had to cross the open ground to reach the communication trenches.

Courtesy: amw.gov.au

A typical section of the battlefield after the fighting had moved on.

Courtesy: awm.gov.au

A German artillery piece destroyed by Australian counter-battery fire.

Courtesy: awm.gov.au

Observers watching the artillery bombardment of the Pozieres position.

Courtesy: awm.gov.au