War chronicle · July–November · Somme, France
Battle of the Somme
The catastrophic Battle of the Somme sees the British gain a pitiful 10km but lose 420,000 men.
The bloodiest day in the history of the British Army is about to begin. By day’s end on 1 July, Britain will have 58,000 casualties, including 20,000 killed.
The German trenches in the Somme have been pounded by artillery for eight days straight. And now wave after wave of British infantrymen clamber from their trenches across no man’s land, confident of an easy victory.
But the artillery bombardment has failed. Within minutes, thousands of German soldiers emerge from their dugouts, rifles ready to fire.
When the Battle of the Somme is over less than six months later, the British and their French allies have pushed the Germans back a pitiful 10km for the loss of 420,000 men. French casualties amount to 200,000, while German losses are estimated at just over 500,000.
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