New Zealand Division Captures Bapaume
August 29th, 1918
August 29th, 1918
How Long Ago?
106 years, 6 months, 14 days ago
Location
Bapaume, France
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War I
People
- Major General Andrew Russell
- Lieutenant Colonel William Thomas
Links & References
Tags
New Zealand Division Captures Bapaume
The New Zealand Division successfully captured the town of Bapaume during the Hundred Days Offensive. This assault was part of a larger Allied strategy to push German forces back and regain territory on the Western Front. The action exemplified the effectiveness of coordinated infantry attacks combined with artillery support. The capture allowed the Allies to secure a pivotal position in the Somme region, further advancing their campaign against Germany in the summer of 1918.
Bapaume was a strategic town in France.
New Zealand Division was key in the attack.
The assault exemplified combined arms tactics.
Success contributed to the Allied victory.
What Happened?
In late August 1918, the New Zealand Division played a crucial role in the Hundred Days Offensive, which was a series of rapid and decisive Allied offensives aimed at breaking the Hindenburg Line and nearing the end of World War I. Bapaume, a key town in the Somme department of France, had significant strategic importance due to its position along transportation routes used by German forces. The New Zealanders, who had established a reputation for their combat effectiveness and bravery, launched an assault that would ultimately lead to the town's capture. With careful planning and execution, the New Zealand Division advanced through challenging terrain, overcoming fierce resistance. Their success was bolstered by a careful coordination of artillery bombardments, which disrupted German defensive positions. The assault on Bapaume took place amidst a broader context of Allied offensives, including ongoing attacks by British, American, and other Commonwealth forces.
Why Does it Matter?
The capture of Bapaume marked an important turning point in the Hundred Days Offensive, as it displayed the effectiveness of combined arms tactics which included artillery support and infantry assaults. This event is significant as it contributed to the eventual Allied victory in World War I and demonstrated the increasing capabilities and contributions of Commonwealth forces, including the New Zealand Division. The victory at Bapaume paved the way for further advances into German-held territories, showcasing the changing tide of the war during its final months.
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