Attacking again, the French were now confronted by two parallel lines
of defences. The first position (known as the Berlingots' trenches)
ran through Frégicourt, Le Priez Farm and Marrières Woods. The second
position, along the National road, 2 km. behind the first, rested on
Rancourt, Feuillancourt and the Canal du Nord, taking in Bouchavesnes.
Following close behind the creeping barrage, the attacking troops
carried the Berlingots' trenches in half an hour. From there, the
left wing attacked and captured Hill 145, and advanced as far as the
National road, between Rancourt and Bouchavesnes. The right wing
reached the Valley of the Tortille, opposite Feuillancourt.
Bouchavesnes, although not included in the objectives assigned to
the storming troops, was next attacked, and at 8 p.m. Bengal lights,
announcing its capture, were burning in the ruins of the village.
On the 13th, the French crossed the National road. The enemy showed
great nervousness, and brought up three new divisions.
[Illustration: THE CANAL DU NORD.]