The Second Battle of the Somme commenced on August 21, 1918, as part of the larger Allied campaign to push back German forces and regain strategic advantage during World War I. Taking place in northern France, this battle followed in the footsteps of the infamous First Battle of the Somme that occurred in 1916. The primary objective was to capture German-held territories and destroy key supply routes that had become vital for maintaining German military operations on the Western Front.

The British Expeditionary Force, bolstered by troops from the Commonwealth nations, launched a series of well-coordinated assaults against entrenched German positions. Notably, the battle featured improved tactics and technology, including a significant focus on the use of tanks, which provided essential firepower and mobility on the battlefield. Allied commanders had learned valuable lessons from earlier engagements, incorporating strategies that emphasized surprise and coordination among infantry, artillery, and armored units.

As the battle unfolded, intense fighting took place along the banks of the River Somme, with numerous villages changing hands amidst ferocious combat. The battle would extend into September, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. However, the Allied forces managed to make strategic gains that contributed to a larger campaign of attrition aimed at weakening the German military. The successful implementation of these tactics not only altered the course of the war but also demonstrated the evolving nature of warfare, setting precedents for future military engagements.