GENERAL GOUGH.
On the extreme right, the British, in liaison with the French, reached the southern edges of Trônes Wood, and came into contact with the second German positions. Over 6,000 prisoners were taken. The Germane launched incessant counter-attacks without result.
In the diversion sector, north of the Ancre, the initial successes at Gommécourt, Serre and on the Ancre could not be followed up.
The Germans continued to hold Beaumont-Hamel and Thiepval in force.
The French Attack
The French 6th Army (Gen. Fayolle) attacked along a ten-mile front, astride of the Somme, from Maricourt to Soyécourt, in the general direction of Péronne.
North of the Somme.—The 20th Corps had to conquer the German first position, consisting of three or four lines of trenches connected by numerous boyaux to the fortified woods and village of Curlu.
This position was carried in a single rush on July 1, and consolidated on the three following days.
The second and third German positions were as strong as the first, and included the villages of Hardecourt and Hem. On the 5th, Hem and the plateau which dominates the village to the north were taken. On the 8th, the French, in liaison with the British, first carried, then progressed beyond, Hardecourt.