Re: close combat tactics/ideas
Lay a belt of light artillery - mortars, 25 pounder etc a couple of hexes in front of your advancing line. If you have some extra tubes, put some a little further behind the barrage line and use to "pepperpot" the deeper zone.
Large arty (>1 hex blast zone) - is a bad idea here since the closeness of the explosions will suppress and kill too many of yours. The British used 25 pounder for a reason - and the lower quality steell used in the shells was deliberate, as it meant you could stay close to the barrage line (less splinters).
Advance towards the shelled line once it falls at the start of the turn.
As you advance you will find stunned or retreating enemy which you can deal with, or leave the artillery to play on a litle longer if desired (if some are stubborn).
You will also get own troops killed or suppressed by "drop shorts" - tough, that was a recognised British tactic such that it got its own term - "leaning into the barrage". Keep right up with the creeping barrage and accept a few own blue on blue casualties since being close to the falling shells means you get to blast the neutralised enemy, hopefully for free (no/few enemy shots back at your advancing line).
When done with that turn, advance the barrage line the 2 hexes allowed by adjustment.
Repeat till you are through the cover, or out of fresh meat on your side...
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