The village of Guillemont lay on the British right flank, close to the boundary with the French Sixth Army. The British Fourth Army had advanced close to the village in mid July during the Battle of Bazentin, but although several attacks in July and August pushed the front line closer to the village, it remained in German hands until it finally fell to the British 20th Division on 3 September during the Battle of Guillemont (3–6 September).