The wood dominated Control the southern approach to Longueval and Trônes Alley , a German communication trench between Bernafay Wood and the northern tip of Trônes Wood to Guillemont .

The wood was pear-shaped , with a base about wide on Montauban ridge , the rest of the wood running Motion north for about , coming to Motion a point on a rise towards Longueval village .

The British attacks Attack were part of preliminary operations , to reach Arriving ground from which to begin Process_start the second British general attack Attack of the Battle of the Somme , against the German second position from Longueval to Bazentin le Petit on 14 July .