Montauban-de-Picardie fell into German hands in the initial attack against France in 1914 and remained behind the front line of the Maricourt sector of the Somme until captured by the British 30th Division on 1 July 1916. It was in British possession until 26 March 1918 when lost to the German "Michael" offensive. The village was finally recaptured by 18th (Eastern) Division in the afternoon of 26 August 1918 during the Battle of Albert.

Maps

This map shows (dark green lines) the three principal defensive systems developed by the German Army on the Somme. Montauban can be seen behind the first system and in the gap before the second.

The British advance on 1 July 1916 reached Montauban and went beyond it to the German trench known as Montauban Alley.

A counter attack from the second system north and east of Montaban was beaten off.

More detail of the fight for Montauban 1 July 1916

Local map courtesy of Géoportail:

Montauban for battlefield tourists

Montauban today is a small, quiet rural village with no amenities for tourists other than memorials and cemeteries.

Memorial to the Liverpool and Manchester Pals who succeeded in their objectives and advanced from Maricourt to capture Montauban on 1 July 1916.

Quarry Cemetery, just north of Montauban, was beyond the extreme limit of the Pals advance that day. It can be seen on the map above, in the Vallée du Bapaume.

With Quarry Cemetery behind the camera, a view to the west. Mametz is away over the higher ground on the left with Montauban directly off to the left of the picture. In the gentle v-cleft of the valley and just before the higher ground topped by trees in the centre, Caterpillar valley begins its winding path toward Mametz Wood.