There was a piece of woodland surmounting a broad plateau that had considerable strategic importance.  Its possession would enable the Germans to straighten their lines and permit their guns to dominate the valley beyond.  They had made several attacks previously which had been driven back; but on the morning in question the assaults had been particularly ferocious and determined.  It was evident that the Germans had received orders to carry it at all costs, and they had thrown their forces ahead again and again regardless of their heavy losses in men.