Second Battle of the Somme Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Second Battle of the Somme (1918)

Part of the Western Front of World War I

British soldiers resupplying a Gun Carrier Mark I tank, named Kingston, at Miraumont 26 August 1918

Date	21 August – 3 September 1918
Location	Somme River, France
Result	Allied victory

Belligerents

British Empire

United States

Germany

Commanders and leaders

Henry Rawlinson

Strength

British Third Army

British Fourth Army

United States II Corps

German Second Army

Casualties and losses

11,500 casualties

5,600 casualties

'Heavy', 6,000 taken prisoner

The Second Battle of the Somme of 1918 was an important fight during World War I. It happened on the Western Front in France. This battle took place from late August to early September 1918. It was fought near the River Somme.

This battle was a key part of the Allied forces' plan. They were pushing back against the German army. The Allies wanted to end the war. This battle helped them advance towards the final peace agreement, called the Armistice of 11 November.

The Battle Begins
Why This Battle Was Important
See also

The Battle Begins

On August 15, 1918, British Field Marshal Douglas Haig made a big decision. He decided not to continue an attack called the Amiens offensive. This was because his troops were running out of supplies. Also, German soldiers were moving to that area. Instead, Haig started planning a new attack near a town called Albert.

Allied Attack Plans

The British Third Army began the next part of the battle on August 21. This was called the Battle of Albert. American soldiers from the United States II Corps joined them. Over the next few days, more British and French forces joined the attack.

By the end of August, the Allied forces were putting a lot of pressure on the Germans. They attacked along a front that was about 110 kilometers (68 miles) long. German soldiers later described this time as "bloody fighting" day and night. They had to keep moving back to new defensive lines.

Key Moments of the Battle

The main part of the Second Battle of the Somme started on August 21. This was with the Second Battle of Bapaume. It took place north of the Somme River. This attack pushed the German Second Army back. They moved back over 55 kilometers (34 miles). Albert was captured by the Allies on August 22.

On August 26, the British First Army also attacked. This expanded the battle by another 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). This part is sometimes called the Second Battle of Arras. The town of Bapaume fell to the Allies on August 29.

The Australian Corps played a very important role. They crossed the Somme River on the night of August 31. They broke through German lines at the Battle of Mont St. Quentin and the Battle of Péronne. General Henry Rawlinson, who led the British Fourth Army, praised the Australians. He called their actions from August 31 to September 4 the greatest military success of the war.

Canadian Success

On September 2, the Canadian Corps made a major breakthrough. They captured the Drocourt-Quéant line. This was a strong German defense line. The Canadian 1st Division, 4th Division, and the British 52nd Division fought in this battle.

The Canadians caused heavy losses for the Germans. They also captured over 6,000 German soldiers who were not wounded. The Canadian forces lost about 5,600 soldiers in this fight. By noon that day, the German commander, Erich Ludendorff, decided to pull his troops back. He ordered them to retreat behind the Canal du Nord.

German Retreat

Because of these Allied advances, the German high command ordered a retreat. They decided to pull their entire front line back to the Hindenburg Line. This meant they gave up land they had captured earlier without a fight. Ludendorff stated they had to withdraw the whole front.

By September 3, the Germans were forced back to the Hindenburg Line. This was the same strong defensive line they had started their spring attack from.

On their way to the Hindenburg Line, Canadian troops faced another tough challenge. Led by General Sir Arthur Currie, they fought hard to cross the unfinished Canal du Nord during the Battle of Canal du Nord.

Breaking the Hindenburg Line

In late September and early October, some of the most important battles of the war took place. British, Australian, and American troops broke through the Hindenburg Line. This happened during the Battle of St. Quentin Canal. Australian General John Monash commanded some of these troops. Soon after, the Canadians also broke through the Hindenburg Line at the Battle of Cambrai.

Why This Battle Was Important

A very important German supply line ran close to the front lines. The Second Battle of the Somme was part of a bigger plan. The Allies wanted to push the German lines back behind this main supply line. If they could cut it, it would be very hard for the Germans to keep their forces supplied.

The plan worked. It took a lot of effort, especially at the St. Quentin Canal, but the Allies succeeded. This battle helped lead to the end of World War I.

Second Battle of the Somme facts for kids

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