Amiens. Shell bursting in the Rue de Beauvais.
(Photo Imperial War Museum).
The Trench Warfare Period.
From April onwards, trench warfare began again. The Allied front was reformed, consisting of a continuous line of hastily dug trenches and rapidly constructed works, held by resolute troops, whose morale was intact and whose fighting spirit had never been better.
Once more the heavy artillery came into requisition, for the preparatory pounding of the adversaries' positions.
In April-May, sharp engagements frequently took place at certain points. On the Luce, in the region of Hangard, on the Avre, from Thennes to Mailly-Raineval, at Grivesnes, on the west bank of the Matz, and around Orvillers-Sorel. Of these, the attack of April 24, by its violence and scope, constituted a veritable offensive against Amiens.
The Attack of April 24
on Villers-Bretonneux.
See sketch below.
