The Western Front Today - 47th London Division Memorial, High Wood
Updated - Sunday, 25 August, 2002

Known today as Bois des Fourcaux, High Wood was a major German stronghold until it was taken and held by the British, after numerous attempts spanning two months, in September 1916, with the assistance of underground mining.

Various British attack methods were employed: a cavalry charge, infantry assaults, gas attacks, flame thrower attacks, machine gun barrages, tanks - and mine warfare.

The wood was eventually carried by the 47th (London) Division, to whom a memorial has been dedicated at the wood.

Craters dating back to these mine attacks can still be made out when visiting the Cameron Highlanders & Black Watch Memorial at High Wood.

References:
Before Endeavours Fade, Rose E.B. Coombs, After the Battle 1994
Major & Mrs Holt's Battlefield Guide - Somme, Leo Cooper 2000

A howitzer is any short cannon that delivers its shells in a high trajectory. The word is derived from an old German word for "catapult".

Original Material © Michael Duffy 2000-07, SafeSurf Rated