 The crest of Mount Sorrel, nearby Tor Top (Hill 62) and Hill 61 rose approximately higher than the shallow ground at Zillebeke, affording the occupying force excellent observation over the salient, the town of Ypres and approach routes.The peaks were the only portion of the crest of the Ypres ridge which remained in Allied hands.In northern France, men and resources were being marshalled in preparation for the large British-French Somme Offensive.