The 250th Brigade RFA (1st Northumbrian Brigade) occupied gun positions in the area of Contalmaison. The Brigade HQ was in the crypt of the church.
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| Contalmaison Church NVAA briefing 2011 |
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| Contalmaison Church 250 Brigade RFA HQ 1916 |
Friday 29 April 2011
Somme - Contalmaison
The 5oth Northumbrian Division did not deploy to the Somme till August 1916. The Division moved into the line in September, in preparation for the Battle of Flers Courcelette. This was the Northumbrians first set piece battle; it was to be the first time the Divisional Artillery was to fire a creeping barrage, and it was going to be the first battle that the British Army used tanks.
