The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

CAPTURE OF HAMEL

The Capture of Hamel was a successful US attack on German positions at Hamel in July 1918 during the Great War. On the 4th of July 1918 the 33rd Illinois National Guard Division decided to celebrate Independence Day by attacking Hamel Wood, near Corbie on the Somme. In co-operation with some Australian troops, and after a severe artillery preparation, the combined force advanced under cover of tanks on a 6 km front, the US forces concentrating on Hamel. The joint force advanced 2.5 km, Hamel and Vaire woods were taken, and 1,500 prisoners, 20 mortars, and 100 machine guns were captured.
Research Capture of Hamel