A SchoolsHistory.org.uk project. Online for testing and editing by participating students. Please excuse any typographical errors, inaccuracies or broken links: or better still, e-mail me and let me know where they are!

The 2nd Battle of Albert - The First World War - August 1918

Although much of the fighting by the Allies in 1918 to this stage has been defensive in nature it wasn't the case that the Allies were simply soaking up pressure, there were several Allied offensives launched during the Spring and Summer of 1918. The Allies had launched an unsuccessful assault on Amiens in early August, which they followed with a major offensive around the town of Albert.

This attack utilised over 100,000 American troops, who had only recently arrived at the front. Integrated into the British army they advanced steadily over a 40 mile front, capturing the town of Albert and in the region of 8000 German troops in the process.

This success resulted in the German forces in this sector being pushed as far back as the Hindenburg line, which was the Germans major defensive line incorporating many underground tunnels, passages and fortifications.