The
Battle of the Hills also known as the
Battle of the Hills of Champagne and the
Third Battle of Champagne, was a battle of the First World War that was fought from April–May 1917. The offensive was intended to be an auxiliary to that of the (GAN) along the Chemin des Dames, in the
Second Battle of the Aisne. General Anthoine, commander of the Fourth Army had originally planned a supporting attack but this was rejected by Nivelle, who required a more ambitious effort. Anthoine replaced his draft plan, with a proposal for a frontal attack by two corps on an front, intended to break through the German defences on the first day and commence exploitation the following day. The battle took place east of
Rheims, between
Prunay and
Aubérive, in the province of
Champagne, along the Moronvilliers Hills.