German Attack
The area was largely held by the British 8th Division. Although it had been one of the best British divisions it had suffered badly in the German attacks of March losing 250 officers and about 4700 other ranks reducing its infantry by half. Reinforcements had been made from the latest draft in the United Kingdom; some units replacements had been 18 year olds with little training.
The German attack was preceded by artillery, using both mustard gas and high explosive rounds. The German infantry with supporting tanks broke through the 8th Division, making a three mile wide gap in the British lines. Villers-Bretonneux fell to the Germans, and the main strategic centre of Amiens was under threat.
Read more about this topic: Second Battle Of Villers-Bretonneux
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