Northumbrian Gunner: Somme 2023

Saturday 11 March 2023

Somme 2023 - Courcelette

Following the disaster of the opening day of the Battle of the Somme, the British had moved their front line forward in a series of attacks, building on the rare successes on the 1st July 1916, south of the Albert-Bapaume Road.

In September 1916, it was decided to launch a broader offensive to capture Courcelette, Martinpunch, Flers, and secure a flank extending to north of Combles. This would secure ground in order to attack towards to Guedcourt, Lesbouefs and Morval, the aim being to break the German line to allow the Cavalry to exploit in depth.

The Canadian Corps, in their first offensive on the Somme, were tasked with the capture of the village of Courcelette. Attacking along a frontage of 2,000 metres, the 2nd Canadian Division would attack Courcelette, the 3rd Canadian Division securing the left flank towards Thiepval. In preparation for the attack, there would be a 3 day preliminary bombardment.

Canadian axis of attack towards Courcelette

In what would become designated as the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, tanks would be used for the very first time in warfare, with six being allocated to support the Canadians.

Battle Flers-Courcelette Mark I Tank

The attack was launched on 15th September 1916 at 06:20, the Canadians advancing behind a creeping barrage.

By 08:00, a defensive strong point known as the Sugar Factory was captured.

Canadians capturing Sugar Factory

Battle of Flers Courcelette ruins of the Sugar Factotry
IWM (CO 859)

Sugar Factory location March 2023

Only one tank reached thier objective, the rest were either disabled by shellfire, failed mechanically or got stuck in an obstacle. They did however achieve some success, rolling over barbed wire, firing into trenches and engaging machine gun emplacements, before becoming disabled. This presence did strike fear in the Germans, causing some of then to surrender at the mere sight of them.

Battle Flers-Courcelette - Tanks supporting Canadians

The 2nd Canadian Division fought their way into Courcelette, capturing the village and repelling German counter attacks. By the 16th September they had consolidated their position.

Canadians Battle of Courcelette

Courcelette 1916

Courcelette 1916 Ruined Church

Courcelette Church March 2023

Over the forthcoming weeks, the three Canadian Divisions (1/2/3) attacked the German lines to try to capture the Regina Trench. Their endeavours failed.

It would take until the 11th November for the newly arrived 4th Canadian Division to capture the Regina Trench, battling both the enemy and the Somme mud.

The Canadians sustained 24,029 casualties on the Somme. A memorial to the men of the Canadian Corps is situated just outside of the village Courcelette.