Battle of Albert (1918)

Battle of Albert (1918) (August 21 – 22, 1918) was the third battle by that name fought during World War I, following the First Battle of Albert, and the Second Battle of Albert, with each of the series of three being fought roughly two years apart. This smaller third battle was significant in that it was the opening push that would lead to the Second Battle of the Somme, and heavily involved the Australian Corps. This attack opened the advance, with the main attack being launched by the British Third Army along with support from the British Fourth Army.

The attacks developed into an advance, which pushed the German 2nd Army back along a 50 mi front line. On August 22, the Australian Corps took Albert, with the British and Americans advancing on Arras. On August 29, Bapaume fell into New Zealand hands, which resulted in an advance by the Australian Corps, who crossed the Somme River on August 31 and broke the German lines during the Battle of Mont St. Quentin. Ultimately, the overall battle resulted in the German Army being pushed back to the Hindenburg Line, from which they had launched their spring offensive.