By the evening of the 21st it was clear that continuing to attack on the eastern flank of the battlefield, across the St Quentin Canal at Marcoing and Masnieres, was no longer viable. The British simply couldn't get strong enough forces over the crossings to break through the German defences.
However British commanders decided to continue attacking further west towards Bourlon Ridge. This was high ground, so capturing it would give the British a stronger defensive position to consolidate on for the winter. The attack was launched on the 23rd into Bourlon Wood and the nearby villages of Bourlon and Fontaine.
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