For the first time in the war, four Anzac divisions were side by side in the front line, with on the right the AIF 1st Division followed by the 2nd Division of I Anzac Corps, then the 3rd Division and New Zealand Division of II Anzac Corps on the left. Further to the right (south) of the Anzacs the British X and IX Corps were positioned, and on the left (north) the XVIII and XIV Corps. In summary twelve divisions and parts of two others would attack the Broodseinde Ridge on a 14,000 yard frontage. The preliminary bombardment commenced consisting of a series of practice barrages, twice daily, but no other intense bombardment until zero hour.
Following the Twenty-Second 