One thousand five hundred yards beyond the Steenbeek lay a strongly-wired line known as the Langemarck-Gheluvelt line.
From the High Command Redoubt in the German front system the ground falls gradually down to the Steenbeek with no pronounced irregularities. Immediately in rear of the Stutzpunkt line and just east of the Divisional right boundary, lay a large copse, Kitchener’s Wood, while the whole area was dotted throughout with numerous spinneys and small orchards.
The main objective of the Division, known as the Green line, was the river Steenbeek, but two companies were detailed to cross the river after its capture and establish bridgeheads on the northern bank, the actual distance to be traversed by the troops detailed for the capture of these bridgeheads being 2600 yards on the right, and 3200 yards on the left.
[Map VI]. Third Battle of Ypres: Advance to the Steenbeek, 31st July 1917.
The attack was divided into four stages, three definite intermediate objectives being selected. These were:—
First objective—the Blue line. This included the enemy’s front system.
Second objective—the Black line. The Stutzpunkt line, with its supporting farms and blockhouses.
Third objective—the Green line. The line of the river Steenbeek.