The Somme offensive put an end to these sanguinary engagements, which had brought about no great change in the French or German positions. Fay, completely razed, was carried on July 1.
Among the ruins, the road turns at right-angles to the left (leave the Estrées road to the right). 3 km. beyond Fay, Assevillers, built on a hill and entirely destroyed, is reached.
DOMPIERRE. THE SUGAR REFINERY IN 1919.
On the left: Road to Faucancourt; On the right: Road to Chuignes.
Pass through Assevillers, turning to the right, on entering. On leaving, take the road to Belloy-en-Santerre, on the right.
Before reaching Belloy, the road descends into a hollow (see defence-works and shelters), and skirts Belloy Wood, the trees of which were cut to pieces by shell-fire. The wood lies on an eminence, from the top of which are seen the ruins of a castle. Fine view towards Biaches.
Capture of Belloy-en-Santerre
Debouching from Assevillers (carried on July 3, 1916) and progressing north of Estrées, a number of French units reached the outskirts of Belloy-en-Santerre on July 4; this village was powerfully fortified and formed an important strong-point in the German second line defences.