During the Battle of Albert (23 August) 83rd Bde's batteries fired in support of the French XXXI Corps. By early September hostile shelling was well below normal levels, and as the enemy pulled back out of range 83rd Bde's batteries were placed in GHQ Reserve. The guns then moved up to support the successful surprise attack of the Battle of Épehy (18 September), when the massed artillery crushed a German counter-attack. Fourth Army had now closed up to the Hindenburg Line. On 29 September 83rd Bde supported 46th (North Midland) Division's attack on the St Quentin Canal: 69th Siege Bty's role was to breach the canal embankment in an attempt to drain the water. 46th (NM) Division swarmed over the canal across captured bridges and dams, using lifebelts and planks, and took its final objectives before nightfall.