FALLEN GERMAN MACHINE GUNNER IN A


 Fallen German machine-gunner in a trench at Hargicourt following the Battle of Épehy, September 19, 1918. Colourised by 

Today 106 years ago, on September 18, 1918, the Battle of Épehy was fought as part of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive. 

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By September 1918, the British were planning a full-scale assault on the German Hindenburg Line, which had the intention to break through and win the war.

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In order to have as many men as possible for this important operation, British Commander-in-Chief Haig was reluctant to carry out any attacks before the main one on the Hindenburg Line.

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But on September 12, the British 3rd Army, under General Rawlinson, achieved success in the Battle of Havrincourt near Cambrai, showing the German defenses were weakening.

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This victory convinced Haig to launch a limited-scale offensive on the heavily fortified town of Épehy northwest of St. Quentin, where the Germans held some high-ground in front of the Hindenburg Line.

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The attack would be carried out by 10 British Divisions and 2 Australian Divisions, with the French supporting the attack too. To preserve the element of surprise, there would be no preliminary bombardment.

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At 5:20 AM, on September 18, 1918, 1,488 guns opened up a massive bombardment on the German lines at Épehy. Protected by a creeping barrage, the British and Australian troops, supported by 21 tanks, went over-the-top in heavy rain. The Australians achieved complete success and captured all their objectives, capturing 4,200 prisoners.

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The promised French support never arrived, which meant the British came up against heavy German resistance on their flanks. Nevertheless, the British still advanced and captured Épehy itself, though success on the flanks was limited.

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