 Between 10 – 12 August 1918, the 3rd Australian Division — of which the 40th Battalion was part — was ordered to attack from an easterly direction against the southern bank of the Somme River, and advance along the road past Proyart. On 12 August, the 40th Battalion was tasked with the objective of seizing and holding a valley to the south of the Proyart – Chuignes road. The advance entailed moving the battalion across approximately 1,300 metres (1,400 yd) of open ground, while under the direct observation of German forces on high ground to the east of Proyart. At the same time, the 37th Battalion was to move through the village of Proyart itself, and proceed to a line just beyond the railway to the north of the Proyart – Chuignes road. It was during this action that Statton was to earn the Victoria Cross.
