World War I, The Western Front, June - December 1917

P�tain's decision to remain temporarily on the defensive after Nivelle's failure gave Haig the opportunity to fulfill his desire for a British offensive in Flanders. He took the first step on June 7, 1917, with a long-prepared attack on the Messines Ridge, north of Armenti�res, on the southern flank of his Ypres salient. This attack by General Sir Herbert Plumer's 2nd Army proved