Day Thirty Six on the Somme

Saturday 5th August 1916 From our Correspondent in the Field

Last night, just as it was getting dark, an attack was made at Pozières. We understand this attack was planned for two days ago but has been postponed to allow very possible preparation to be complete. 2nd Division together with the Australians were completely successful. A determined counter-attack in the small hours this morning was shrugged off and the Australians have made some progress to the north-east towards the site of the ruined windmill.

This morning we understand the victors finally have a site of green fields and the woods around Bapaume, untouched by war, beyond the battle-front. They can also see the village of Courcelette to the north-east from this, the highest point on the battlefield. Given the importance of this position, no doubt the Germans will launch a counter-attack soon.

At the same time 12th (Eastern) Division made an attack on Ration Trench which lies to the west of the village. The vicious struggle went on all night but we understand that the aggressors have been victorious, capping a successful few hours for the army.