The battle began with the detonation of mines, which devastated the German front line defences, followed by a creeping barrage deep, covering the British troops as they secured the ridge, with support from tanks, cavalry patrols and aircraft.
The battle began with the detonation of a series of mines beneath German lines, which created large craters and devastated the German front line defences. This was followed by a creeping barrage deep, covering the British troops as they secured the ridge, with support from tanks, cavalry patrols and aircraft.