Op La Boisselle - Auchonvillers

Auchonvillers Ocean Villers IJ

In 1914 following the Battle of the Aisne Allied and German forces advanced northward towards the North Sea, each side trying to outflank each other, a Race to the Sea. The Germans established a defensive position at Beaumont Hamel with the French digging in opposite them. A communication trench was dug from the French front line to the village of Auchonvillers 1500 metres to the rear. 

In July 1915 the British Army took over the Somme Sector from the French. British Soldrs referred to the village as Ocean Villas. They evacuated the the residents from Auchonvillers and utilised the cellars in the village. The trenches around the village were strengthened with bricks from damaged houses. 

Auchonvillers Damaged Church

Auchonvillers Trench System

Auchonvillers Trench System

Auchonvillers Trench System

Auchonvillers Trench leading to Cellar Entrance

Auchonvillers Cellar

Men of the 29th division passed along the communication trenches in readiness for the assault on Beaumont Hamel on 1st July 1916. 

Men of 29th Division Communication Trench

The trenches fell out of use when the Germans withdrew to the Hindenburg line in April 1917. 

In March 1918 the Germans launched their Spring Offensive. The British 2nd Division and the New Zealand Division utilised the trenches and the cellars of Auchonvillers in the battle to block the German onslaught.

After the First World War ended the villagers would return in 1923 to start to rebuild their village. 

Auchonvillers

Auchonvillers Wall of Remembrance

Auchonvillers Wall of Remembrance