 By early April 1917 , three German @-@ held outpost villages remained between the area to the south of the I Anzac Corps position and the Hindenburg Line . An attack to capture the villages of Boursies , Demicourt and Hermies by the 1st Australian Division was formulated to commence on 9 April , the day the British offensive opened at Arras . For his gallantry in two separate actions during this engagement , Whittle was awarded the Victoria Cross . 
