Operations on the Ancre

11 January – 13 March 1917: Operations on the Ancre. The Final flickering of the 1916 Somme offensive as British seek localised tactical advantage on heights above valley of the River Ancre.

Fifth Army (Gough)
II Corps (Jacob)
2nd Division
18th (Eastern) Division
63rd (Royal Naval) Division.
IV Corps (Woollcombe)
11th (Northern) Division
51st (Highland) Division
61st (2nd South Midland) Division.
V Corps (Fanshawe)
7th Division
19th (Light) Division
31st Division
32nd Division
46th (North Midland) Division
62nd (2nd West Riding) Division.
I ANZAC Corps (Birdwood)
1st Australian Division
2nd Australian Division
4th Australian Division
5th Australian Division.

Specific actions within this phase of fighting included

The capture of Munich Trench, 10 -11 January
Note: this is NOT defined as a battle by the Official History
IV Corps (Woollcombe)
11th (Northern) Division
XIII Corps (Congreve)
7th Division.

The capture of Puisieux Trench, 3 February
Note: this is NOT defined as a battle by the Official History
II Corps (Jacob)
63rd (Royal Naval) Division.

The capture of Ten Tree Alley, 10 – 13 February
Note: this is NOT defined as a battle by the Official History
V Corps (Fanshawe)
32nd Division.

The actions of Miraumont, 17 – 18 February
II Corps (Jacob)
2nd Division
18th (Eastern) Division
63rd (Royal Naval) Division.
Detail: Actions of Miraumont, 17-18 February 1917

4.5inch howitzer emplacement of the Royal Field Artillery in Miraumont-le-Grand which was taken 25 February, (photograph March 1917), Imperial War Museum image Q7188
4.5inch howitzer emplacement of the Royal Field Artillery in Miraumont-le-Grand which was taken 25 February, (photograph March 1917), Imperial War Museum image Q7188

The capture of the Thilloys, 25 February – 2 March
II Corps (Jacob)
2nd Division.
I ANZAC Corps (Birdwood)
1st Australian Division
2nd Australian Division
5th Australian Division.

The capture of Irles, 10 March
II Corps (Jacob)
2nd Division
18th (Eastern) Division.
I ANZAC Corps (Birdwood)
2nd Australian Division.

Links

Battles of the Western Front in France and Flanders

Sir Douglas Haig’s third despatch (operations on the Ancre, 1916, and pursuit of German retreat to Hindenburg Line)