Cambrai - Bourlon Wood

On the opening day of the Battle of Cambrai 1917, IV Corps on the left flank were tasked with the capture of the dominating feature of Bourlon Wood.

Bourlon Wood

The 51st (Highland Division) would attack through Flesquieres and to Fontaine on the western edge of Bourlon Wood. In the centre 62nd (West Riding) Division were tasked with securing the woods western edge assaulting through Havrincourt, Graincourt, and Anneux.

The assault of IV Corps  on 20th November faltered when the 51st (Highland) Division were held on the Flesquieres Ridge. The 62nd (West Riding) Division fought their way through Havrincourt, Graincourt, capturing German guns in the process. They reached Anneux having advanced 5 miles, but exhausted and with their right flank exposed they were unable to reach Bourlon Wood.

The Highland Division would capture Flesquieres on the 21st November, the Germans having withdrawn during the night, and go on to take Fontaine. Fierce fighting continued around Bourlon Wood, but the 62nd (Division) were unable to penetrate the German Defences. German counter attacks on the 22nd recaptured Fontaine.

The exhausted 62nd Diviison were relieved by the 40th Division who mounted an attack on 23rd November. After bitter fighting and many casualties only the northern edge of the wood remained in German hands.

An attack on 24th November by the Guards Divisions failed to secure the village of Bourlon. The 40th and 62n Divisions again changed around , this time the 62nd relieving an exhausted 40th. Further fighting on the 27th again failed to further gains and IV Corps consolidated their positions.

Battle for Bourlon Wood.