The underlying tactical purpose for the assault (as for all the ‘methodical’ offensive operations on Fourth Army’s front) was to exert continuous pressure on the Germans and to obtain a more favourable position from which to launch the large scale offensive planned for mid-September. The specific final objective for the Guillemont (and Ginchy) fighting was, in co-operation with a simultaneous French advance on the right, to establish a line facing north-east through the farther edge of Leuze Wood, securing the ridge above Combles.

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