It could be argued, aside from their importance to the Australians, that they play a role in the military history of the war. The capture of Pozieres was a precondition for driving the Germans off the Thiepval Plateau, which proved a major victory for the British in September. Fromelles fixed at least a few German divisions in position, according to Gary Sheffield's study of the Somme, although in the grand scheme of things this was a small reward for the heavy losses and meager gains. Above all, as part of examining how the conduct of operations evolved on the Western Front, both operations show the importance of methodical preparation and of setting achievable objectives for the troops involved, largely by the absence of these factors in the battles. In particular, Gough pushed Birdwood and the Australians much harder than was reasonable at Pozieres, resulting in sloppy planning and preparation, made all the more difficult by the ability of the Germans to shell Pozieres, and the powerful counterattacks that were attempted to try to take it back. By contrasting with later operations, we can see how forces sought to adapt to the novel conditions of the Western Front.