In February the division went back into the line in the Somme sector, and spent the next few months alternating trench duties with working parties and training for the forthcoming Somme Offensive. For this the 49th Division formed the reserve for X Corps, which was tasked with seizing the Thiepval Spur, after which the 49th was to pass through and continue the pursuit. The West Riding battalions moved up to assembly trenches in Aveluy Wood before dawn on the day of the attack (1 July), and by 09.00 the 1/6th West Yorks had crossed the River Ancre and was in Thiepval Wood. Ordered to move towards Thiepval village to support the 36th (Ulster) Division, the battalion came under fire the moment it left the shelter of the wood. Men were caught by machine gun fire passing through a gap in a hedge, and it was plainly impossible to cross No man's land. The attacking companies lost half their strength, including the CO, Lt-Col Wade, who was wounded. The 1/6th Bn was withdrawn and became brigade reserve while the rest of the brigade attempted to relieve the beleaguered Ulstermen.