Page "II Corps (United States)" Paragraph 1

II Corps first saw significant action in Europe as a part of the main assault beginning the 1918 Second Battle of the Somme, while attached to the British Third Army.

The initial secondary attack to begin that battle became known as the Third Battle of Albert, launched by the New Zealand Division.

The attacks developed into an advance, which pushed the German 2nd Army back along a front line.

On 22 August, the New Zealand Division took Albert, with the British and Americans advancing on Arras.

On 29 August, Bapaume fell into British and American hands, which resulted in an advance by the Australian Corps, who crossed the Somme River on 31 August 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 would launch their spring offensive.