Immediately to the east of Pozières was the remains of a windmill which stood on a knoll which was known as ‘Hill 160’.  The Germans had made this into a concrete fortress packed with machine-guns.  As it was the highest point on the ridge it was of immense strategic value.  Not only was it a superb observation post with a view across miles of country, it also controlled the main road to Bapaume and the rear approaches to the Thiepval plateau.

Three weeks to capture most of the village

The original plan was to capture Pozières on the first day of the battle.  In fact it took over three weeks before most of it was captured – and only then after some extremely fierce fighting. 

Australians attacked the village on July 23 as a part of a larger exercise.  This comprised the 48th Division attacking up Mash Valley on their left and on their right an attack trying to secure Bazentin Ridge. 

The attack was mounted at night.  Poor organisation and confusion meant that the attack on the Australian’s right failed, whilst that on their left met with fierce resistance and was only able to achieve slight gains. 

For their part the Australians were successful.  Within a matter of a few hours they had all but captured the village, leaving some strongly held trenches north of the village and the site of the windmill on the knoll to capture.

Australian losses over 23,000

It then took a further three weeks before the knoll was captured.  In the six weeks fighting on Pozières Ridge the Australian 1st, 2nd and 4th Divisions lost 23,000 men killed or wounded. 

General Haig commented at the time ‘Luckily their [the Australians] losses have been fairly small considering the operation and the numbers involved’.