Coastal sector Active Hostile Batteries map, 27 October 1917. In the coastal sector, the Germans had the upper hand in terms of artillery. For an offensive to succeed, the British needed to destroy or neutralize the majority of artillery batteries shown on this map, and to do so quickly. The broader situation never warranted the attempt, and the BEF consciously chose not to try nibbling what it could not swallow in one bite.

Source: Author's collection.

Detail (1609 x 1158)