The offensive of the Somme, the general direction of which 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 Ancre and the Somme--was flanked
on either side by diversion sectors north of the Ancre and south of the
Somme.
[Illustration: ATTEMPTED BREAK-THROUGH.
_A breach was made south of the Somme, but the marshes prevented
development, while to the north, the offensive was held on the Ancre
lines._]
Putting to profit the German failure at Verdun, where the enemy masses,
after appalling sacrifice of human life, gradually became blocked in a
narrow sector (7½ miles in width), the Allies widened their front of
attack.
After an effective "pounding" by the guns which annihilated all
obstacles to a considerable depth, the assaulting waves went forward
simultaneously along a 24-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.
North of the Somme the British offensive was held.
Warned by the immense preparations, the Germans were not taken
unawares. Their reserves flowed in and resisted on new defensive
positions. The advance of the French 6th Army was slowed down to
correspond with that of the British.