The operation , in conjunction with the 56th ( 1st London ) Division attacking from the south , aimed at cutting off the salient .
Was in fact a diversion for the main attack a few miles south that opened the Battle of the Somme .
The operation , in conjunction with the 56th ( 1st London ) Division attacking from the south , aimed at cutting off the salient , but was in fact a diversion for the main attack a few miles south that opened the Battle of the Somme .