Battle of Havrincourt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Havrincourt
Part of the Hundred Days Offensive of World War I
Date 12 September 1918 Location Havrincourt, France 50°06′43″N 03°05′13″E / 50.11194°N 3.08694°E / 50.11194; 3.08694 Result British victory
Belligerents
British Empire  United Kingdom New Zealand	German Empire
Commanders and leaders
Julian Byng	Otto von Below
Strength
3 divisions	4 divisions
Casualties and losses
unknown	unknown

The Battle of Havrincourt was an important fight during World War I. It happened on September 12, 1918, in the town of Havrincourt, France. In this battle, the British Third Army, led by General Sir Julian Byng, fought against German soldiers. Even though it was a smaller battle, it was the first time the strong Hindenburg Line was broken through.

What Led to the Battle

Before the main attack, the British 2nd Division carried out some early operations. Three divisions from the British Third Army attacked Havrincourt village. These were the 62nd Division, the New Zealand Division, and the 37th Division.

Why Havrincourt Was Important

The 62nd Division was chosen for the Havrincourt area because of their brave actions there in 1917. They had performed very well during the Battle of Cambrai. The German forces defending Havrincourt had four divisions. These divisions were from their 3rd and 10th Corps.

How the Battle Unfolded

The German forces had more soldiers and strong defenses in the town. However, they could not hold their ground against the British attack. By the end of the day, Havrincourt was captured by the British army.

A Key Turning Point

This victory might not have seemed very big at the time. But it showed that the German soldiers on the Western Front were starting to lose their will to fight. Some people didn't pay much attention to this small battle. Yet, others saw how important it was. General Byng himself thought it was a turning point.

Colonel Charles à Court Repington later shared Byng's thoughts:

"He believed his most important day with the 3rd Army was when the 56th Division captured Havrincourt in September 1918. He quickly supported them with two more divisions. The Germans sent two of their old divisions, the Brandenburgers and Hanoverians, against him, with two more divisions ready. The Germans were badly defeated, and after that, they lost their fighting spirit."

What Happened Next

This success encouraged Field Marshal Douglas Haig. He approved a new attack on Epéhy for the very next day. Other operations were also planned to get ready for a full assault on the Hindenburg Line.

Sergeant Laurence Calvert was awarded the Victoria Cross for his brave actions during the battle. The Victoria Cross is the highest military award for bravery in the British armed forces.