The New Zealand Division moved into the line in the Armentieres Sector with the Divisional Artillery to the south of Armentieres. Although this was considered a “quiet” sector and suitable as nursery for units new to the Western Front, it was not without hostile activity. The German trenches lay, for the most part, some 180 - 270 metres (200 - 300 yards) from the New Zealand trenches although in some places they were as close as a little over 50 metres (60 yards).
The New Zealand Division regularly sustained casualties throughout this period but July, with the beginning of the offensive in the Somme, saw increased activity in the sector, partly to distract the German forces, and a consequent increase in casualties. This activity, with heavy artillery bombardments and raids, from both sides, saw the increased rate of casualties continue into August until the division was withdrawn from the line commencing 13 August.
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