Battle of Montdidier–Noyon

After breaking through the British lines in the Somme on 21 March, the Germans exploited their success toward the south. From 23 March, the French Sixth Army took position to protect Amiens and prevent a junction between the German fronts and the retreating British lines. Fierce fighting erupted around Montdidier and Noyon, where the French halted the Germans at heavy cost.

Operation Michael aimed to break the Allied lines before the massive arrival of American troops. If the British army was initially the main target, France intervened rapidly to stabilise the front and protect access to Paris and Amiens. These engagements inaugurated the close Franco-British coordination that would culminate in the unified command of Foch.

The French organised defence in depth with local counter-attacks supported by artillery. French squadrons harassed enemy columns, while infantry slowed the German advance by firmly defending the heights. Schneider and Saint-Chamond tanks were used sporadically to counter-attack breakthroughs.

The German advance slowed in the face of French resistance. The front was stabilised south of the Aisne, but at the price of heavy losses. This battle underlined French capacity to react rapidly to a strategic breakthrough. It contributed to the establishment of unified command entrusted to Foch a few days later.