The British Attack
On July 1, the front of attack, about 21 miles long, extended from Gommécourt to Maricourt.
The attack was made by the 4th Army (Gen. Rawlinson), comprising five army corps, and by three divisions of the right wing of the 3rd Army (Gen. Allenby).
The main sector of attack, lying between the Ancre and Maricourt, forms a 90° salient; the summit of which encircled Fricourt.
The first German positions included Ovillers, La Boisselle, Fricourt, Mametz and Montauban, and formed the objective of the attack.
The latter, directed generally towards Bapaume, was delivered against both flanks of the salient.
From the start, the attack was held before the western side of the salient, in spite of the great heroism of the British.
The right wing, on the southern side, succeeded in carrying the first German position.
Photo, Russell, London.