The Western Front 1917

The new Commander-in-Chief of the French Armies, General Nivelle, was a gifted speaker and full of self-confidence; he impressed politicians with his own optimism. His plan roughly was to pin down the Germans with subsidiary attacks north of the River Oise and to break through in Champagne with three French armies. The British Commander-in-Chief was put under Nivelle for this battle at the end of February. To assist the French, Sir Douglas Haig took over the line as far south as the Amiens—Roye road. He also arranged for sub­sidiary attacks to take place on the River Ancre, at Arras and Vimy by the Fifth, Third and First Armies respectively.

It is now known that the enemy were aware of these plans and the timing of the offensive was considerably upset by a well-organized retreat to the famous Hindenburg Line. This operation between 23rd February and 16th March straightened their line between Arras and Soissons, and so freed reserves for the coming battle.

The French delay in starting their offensive allowed the Germans to bring forty-three divisions opposite the sector attacked, where only ten had been before. The vaunted grand attack to break through in two days failed, and Marshal Main was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the French Armies on 16th May, 1917. Sir Douglas Haig's plan of turning the German right flank by an offensive in Flanders, combined with action by the Fleet and a coastal landing, was then developed.

The Ancre—17th February to 5th April

Miraumont, 17th February

The Regiment's part in these operations commenced on 17th February after a month of minor operations, when the 1st Battalion took part in an attack near Miraumont under particularly bad ground conditions. 180 prisoners were captured. Their first objective was taken and consolidated.

Losses: Officers: killed 5, wounded 4; Other Ranks 182.

Metz en Couture, 4th April

Here the 10th and 11th Battalions fought an action in the best Rifle tradition. The two battalions attacked at 2 p.m. over quite open ground in a snowstorm; about half-way to the village the snow lifted and heavy enemy fire was en-countered. Accurate fire and good skirmishing carried the battalions on, though both flank companies were in difficulties from strong-points held with machine guns. The resolute advance and the initiative of junior leaders made success complete. The whole village was taken at 6 p.m. Ninety prisoners, many weapons, food and stores of all sorts were captured.

Losses: Officers: killed 8, wounded 6; Other Ranks 293.