The Canal du Nord: A Brief Background

The Canal du Nord: A Brief Background

By late September 1918, it was becoming clear that the Imperial German Army had rotten to the core. The failed Spring Offensive of 1918 had cost the Germans roughly 800,000 casualties - and though they had penetrated deep into Allied lines and inflicted heavy casualties, no strategic areas had been captured. The Allies had barely withstood the onslaught; but like a recoiled spring, they were primed to explode outwards and bring an end to the First World War.

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The Final 100 Days: September 24, 1918

The Final 100 Days: September 24, 1918

In an effort to shatter the outlying defended of the Hindenburg Line, French and British forces combined in a joint assault on German positions just outside St. Quentin.

As a linchpin of the St. Quentin - Cambrai Line, capturing St. Quentin stood as a priority on the Western Front. Piercing the Hindenburg Line was the ultimate goal for the Allies on the Western Front.

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The Final 100 Days: September 21, 1918

The Final 100 Days: September 21, 1918

No rest was allotted to Allied Forces, as they continued their fight against the German Army on the Western Front.

Re-establishing a position at Moeuvres allowed for operations to continue, but the attack the day before had left the British short of ammunition, food, and reinforcements. Any attacks would be under-strength, with a lesser chance of success, so operations were suspended for the day.

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The Final 100 Days: September 20, 1918

The Final 100 Days: September 20, 1918

The First World War raged on. As Allied High Command prepared for their coming offensives, front-line units continued to chip away at German forces.

The British Expeditionary Force had stabilized the line at Epehy. With their position secured, British forces went over the top. Building on the previous day’s success, they captured the village of Lempire, just a few hundred metres south-east of Epehy.

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