The Somme September–November 1916

On 15 September 1916, the British advanced their front line by 1.5 miles (2.5 km), taking the high wood around Pozieres and Bozantin-le-Petit. The German offensive was successfully stalled by French artillery and machine guns, despite their deployment of new aircraft and tactics. The Allies were gradually gaining over the Germans. Between September and October, the British perfected ‘the creeping barrage’, with infantry shielded by artillery fire 50 yards ahead. Using this tactic, the British captured German-occupied Thiepval. In October, adverse weather hindered progress, creating a stalemate. Between 13–18 November the British took Beaucourt and Beaumont Hamel, capturing 7,000 Germans. Haig postponed further fighting in the Somme until February 1917. In 141 days of conflict, the British advanced only 7 miles (11 km) and had still not destroyed the German defences.