(April 22—28, 1918.)
A period of comparative calm followed, during which the Germans prepared a fresh mass attack, in view of the capture of the Hills.
For this new offensive five fresh divisions from Alsace-Lorraine were brought up, of which two—the IVth Bavarians and the Alpine Corps—were picked troops. These troops joined the four divisions already in the sector. The artillery was also considerably reinforced.
During this concentration small local attacks occurred on both sides.
On April 22 and 23 the Germans endeavoured to improve their positions north of Bailleul, but without appreciable result.
The French, on their part, sought by attacks and raids to impede the preparations for the coming assault.
At that time the firing line, from west to east, ran as follows: from Meteren (held by the Germans) it passed north of Bailleul, then crossed the crest of Lindenhoek at Dranoutre, east of Kemmel, and skirted Groote Vierstraat and St. Eloi on the east.
The five French divisions which defended the Hills occupied the following positions:
The 133rd before Cats Hill; the 34th Infantry (Sabatier) before Locre; the 154th Infantry (Breton) from Dranoutre to the Petit-Kemmel; the 28th Infantry (Madelin) before Kemmel Hill, its left linking up at Lindenhoek with the British 9th Infantry Division. The Cavalry Corps was held in reserve on the Hills.
At 2.30 a.m. on April 25 the attack began with a heavy bombardment, in which the proportion of gas shells was far greater than previously.