Pozières
Pozières is situated 7km northeast of Albert on the D929 Albert to Bapaume road.
The ridge at Pozières commanded a view of a very wide area of the main battlefield. Its position was strategic in that it was considered that if Pozières could be captured Ovillers would certainly follow. At the same time the opportunity would be created to attack the fortress at Thiepval from the rear.
Action at Pozières
Written by Mike
At the time of the Battle of the Somme the Germans had turned Pozières into a fortress with deep trenches, masses of barbed wire and numerous machine-gun posts.
Read this extract from ‘Now it can be Told’ by Philip Gibbs describing the action at Pozières.
Pozières - site of the former windmill
Written by Mike
In the fighting at Pozières, around the Windmill that originally stood on this site and northwards along the ridge towards Mouquet Farm, the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) suffered more than 23,000 casualties in litle more than six weeks, between 23 July and 5 September 1916.
Australian Memorial, Pozières
Written by Mike
Northeast of Pozières is the Australian Memorial to those lost trying to capture Hill 160. The Australian Memorial is situated on the forward slope of the ridge they fought so hard to capture.
The First Australian Division Memorial commemorates the 5,285 men of the division who became casualties at Pozières.
The ridge at Pozières was a significant feature that was fought for by both sides. The ridge had fortified cellars, a network of defensive trenches and OP blockhouses.
King’s Royal Rifle Corps Battalions Memorial, Pozières
The King’s Royal Rifle Corps Battalions Memorial is situated on the south side of the D929 west of Pozières.
Tanks Corps Memorial, Pozières
Written by Mike
Three tanks set off from this point on 15 September to attack German positions in front of Courcelette, the first time tanks were used in the war.
Pozières British Cemetery contains 2,758 graves comprising 1,800 from the United Kingdom, 714 from Australia and 209 from Canada. There is also 1 German soldier buried here. There are 1,380 unknown graves in the cemetery. Most of the graves are of soldiers killed in 1916.
