The British Attack of September 15
The German positions of Foureaux Wood, Hill 154 and Morval were the objectives of the attack.
For the first time tanks accompanied the storming waves, giving the enemy an unpleasant surprise, which contributed largely to the victory.
In the centre, the tanks entered Flers before noon; the troops advanced beyond the village and established themselves. On the left, Foureaux Wood, bristling with strong-points and redoubts, and on the right, Hill 154 were carried, and the Morval—Lesbœufs—Gueudecourt line reached.
In consequence of this brilliant success of the British right, the attack was extended on the left; the tanks entered Martinpuich and Courcelette. In a single day the British advanced 2 km. along a 10 km. front, and captured 4,000 prisoners.
The enemy threw two more divisions into the battle, and fiercely counter-attacked the salient formed by the French lines at the Bapaume-Péronne road. After getting a footing in Bouchavesnes on September 20, they were driven out at the point of the bayonet.
The General Attack of September 25, and Capture of Combles
The Allied front line moved forward again, to complete the investment of Combles.