The Battle of the Boar's Head was a British offensive operation conducted on June 30, 1916, as part of the wider efforts during World War I. Located near Richebourg-l'Avoué in northern France, this engagement specifically targeted German positions to create a diversion from the major attacks launched on the Somme. Forces from the Royal Sussex Regiment were heavily involved, tasked with capturing enemy trenches and breaking through fortified lines that had proven resilient to previous assaults.

Despite the element of surprise, the operation quickly encountered difficulties. As the Sussex men advanced, they faced intense machine-gun fire and well-prepared defenses, resulting in dreadful casualties among their ranks. Reports suggest that approximately 1,200 British troops became casualties during this operation, with many wounded or killed in action, a stark illustration of the horrors of trench warfare. The intense nature of the fighting not only devastated the regiment but also highlighted the challenges of achieving breakthroughs in entrenched positions during the war.

Following the battle, the heavy losses suffered by the Royal Sussex Regiment resulted in considerable grief within the local communities they hailed from. These casualties prompted discussions around military tactics and the necessity for improved strategies in trench warfare, underscoring the evolving nature of combat during World War I.