Estimated by the eye of an expert in tactics, it would surely be reckoned as completely impregnable to the assault, unaided by Tanks, of any infantry that should attempt it.
It was the seizure, by a sudden attack, of this tactical key that was the kernel of the plan which now had to be evolved. The capture of the town of Péronne was consequential upon it, though little less formidable a task. The effect of both captures would be completely to turn the whole line of the Somme to the south, and the line of the Canal du Nord; to open a wide gate through which the remainder of the Fourth and Third Armies could pour, so as to roll up the enemy's line in both directions.
In view of the historical importance of the occasion, and the controversies which have already risen regarding the genesis of the conception of these plans, I make no apology for reproducing, in extenso, a literal copy of the notes used at the conference which I held in the late afternoon of August 29th at the Headquarters of the Fifth Division, then situated in a group of bare sheds—but recently vacated by the enemy—on the main east and west road, just south of Proyart. The conference was attended by Lambert (32nd Division), Hobbs (Fifth Division), Rosenthal (Second Division), and Gellibrand (Third Division). Neither "Tanks" nor "Heavy Artillery" attended as they could not, in any event, co-operate in the execution of the plan.
29. 8. 18.
PLAN FOR CROSSING THE SOMME
A. Alteration of Frontages.
Defensive Front: 32nd Division to take over on 30th from Fifth Division front as far north as Ferme Lamire, total 7,500 yards, to hold same defensively, place outposts on river line, demonstrate actively as if aiming to cross Somme; if no resistance, endeavour establish posts on far bank; otherwise demonstrate only. Use only one Brigade; remainder of Division to rest and refit.
Offensive Frontages: Fifth Division to extend along canal bank from Ferme Lamire to Biaches, frontage 4,000 yards. Second Division to extend from Biaches for 4,700 yards to bridge at Ommiécourt. Third Division: present front north of river.
B. Objectives.
All Divisions to continue eastward advance. Each Division to have an immediate and an ultimate objective, thus:
Third Division:
Immediate: High ground north-east of Cléry.
Ultimate: Bouchavesnes Spur.
Second Division:
Immediate: Bridge Head at Halle. If crossing there impossible then cross behind front of Third Division.
Ultimate: Mont St. Quentin.
Fifth Division:
Immediate: Force crossing at Péronne Bridges; if bridges gone, follow Second Division and aim at high ground south of Péronne.
Ultimate: Wooded spur east of Péronne.
Whichever Division first succeeds in crossing Somme Valley, the other Divisions to have right of way over the same crossings.
Each Division to employ only one Brigade until a satisfactory footing is established on immediate objective.
Second Division to lead the north-east movement.
Artillery to stand as at present allotted, but liable to re-allotment by me as operation develops.
Defensive Front: 32nd Division to take over on 30th from Fifth Division front as far north as Ferme Lamire, total 7,500 yards, to hold same defensively, place outposts on river line, demonstrate actively as if aiming to cross Somme; if no resistance, endeavour establish posts on far bank; otherwise demonstrate only. Use only one Brigade; remainder of Division to rest and refit.
Offensive Frontages: Fifth Division to extend along canal bank from Ferme Lamire to Biaches, frontage 4,000 yards. Second Division to extend from Biaches for 4,700 yards to bridge at Ommiécourt. Third Division: present front north of river.
All Divisions to continue eastward advance. Each Division to have an immediate and an ultimate objective, thus:
Third Division:
Immediate: High ground north-east of Cléry.
Ultimate: Bouchavesnes Spur.
Second Division:
Immediate: Bridge Head at Halle. If crossing there impossible then cross behind front of Third Division.
Ultimate: Mont St. Quentin.
Fifth Division:
Immediate: Force crossing at Péronne Bridges; if bridges gone, follow Second Division and aim at high ground south of Péronne.
Ultimate: Wooded spur east of Péronne.
Whichever Division first succeeds in crossing Somme Valley, the other Divisions to have right of way over the same crossings.
Each Division to employ only one Brigade until a satisfactory footing is established on immediate objective.
Second Division to lead the north-east movement.
Artillery to stand as at present allotted, but liable to re-allotment by me as operation develops.
Immediate: High ground north-east of Cléry.
Ultimate: Bouchavesnes Spur.
Immediate: Bridge Head at Halle. If crossing there impossible then cross behind front of Third Division.
Ultimate: Mont St. Quentin.
Immediate: Force crossing at Péronne Bridges; if bridges gone, follow Second Division and aim at high ground south of Péronne.
Ultimate: Wooded spur east of Péronne.
The above brief notes require but little elucidation. It is to be remembered that at the time they were prepared, no definite information had yet been received as to the condition of any of the Somme crossings, because at that hour the river bank had not yet been reached, and fighting on the west bank of the Somme was still going on.