In preparation for the offensive vast dumps of stores and ammunition were assembled behind the lines.  New railways were built, bridges were strengthened, new roads were constructed and miles of water pipes were laid. 

The whole area around the town of Albert seethed with activity – all of which was clearly visible to the Germans in their excellent observation posts on the high ground overlooking the town. 

As if all the activity in itself were not enough, French newspapers reported the forthcoming British offensive and British munitions workers were publicly asked not to take their Whitsun holiday until the end of July.

The logistics for the offensive had to be carefully thought out. 

As an illustration of the complexity of some of the problems, a single brigade on the move with its transport occupied at least three miles of road.  With the rear of the column an hour’s march behind the front, plus the obligatory ten minutes rest in every hour, it could take two and a half hours to cover that distance.  If one such brigade were to meet another at a crossroads going in the opposite direction, the subsequent traffic jam could hold up ten thousand men in a chain reaction that stretched for miles and hours behind.