Taking the offensive in the Somme Valley: July 1, 1916

At the start of World War I, Great Britain possessed only a small professional army.  Early losses in the initial invasion in 1914 left this force greatly weakened.  It was essential that Britain rebuild its forces and to convert their industry to wartime production.  1915 was a key year in preparing defencive positions along their share of the Western Front along with rebuilding their army and logistical support systems.  The high command of Great Britain and France planned their first major offencive action of the war.  France was already involved in a major action at Verdun.  July 1, 1916, was the date set for commencing operations against the German lines.

After a lengthy artillery bombardment, The troops moved forward with a terrible loss of life.  Approximately 60,000 soldiers were either dead or wounded on the first day.  An example was the assault of German lines at Beaumont-Hamel by the Newfoundland Canadian Regiment.  According to one source, out of 780 men, only 110 survived more than 20 minutes after leaving the safety of their trench.  The Germans had survived the bombardment in their well fortified positions and easily countered the advancing force.

It is well worth the visit to the memorial located near Beaumont-Hamel.  The following is a sample of my pictures from the location:

Actual trench in the area where the Newfoundland regiment started their advance:

Memorial to the Newfoundland Regiment

German Cemetery in the Somme Valley.  The irony is significant when thinking of WW II.  See the grave for a German soldier noted by the Star of David

This is one of the numerous British cemeteries located in the Somme Valley.  During WW I, it was the policy of the British army to bury soldiers where they fell.

More will be covered in a later posting.  I am off on more battlefield trekking over the next month and a half.  I will post again about the middle of August.  My next destination is the village of Halbe located southeast of Berlin.  A conscript army of old men, depleted regular army units, and young boys attempted to stop the Russian advance on Berlin.  They were not successful

Verdun: German attempt to break the stalemate on the Western Front

The German high command knew that continued stalemate would further hurt the ability of the German economy to sustain military operations.  The British Royal Navy had blocked the North Sea shipping lanes via a blockade effectively shutting off supplies of food and other material to German industry and the population.  A  decisive blow was needed to hasten the end of the war and relief from the blockade.  Verdun was a road block on the road to Paris.

The attack commenced on February 21, 1916, with a massive artillery barrage (some 2,000,000 shells).  The fire was directed on French fortifications.  Fort Douaumont was left in ruins.  The French Army continued to resist by being supplied with supplies and replacement soldiers down a single road named the "voie sacree" (sacred way).  Verdun was a killing ground of the first order with approximately 500,000 killed on both sides.  The German forces were not successful in capturing Verdun.

I have visited Verdun three times since 1991.  The following are personal photographs of those visits:

French cemetery in front of the Douaumont Ossuary

Douaumont Ossuary Tower

The first floor of the Tower has plaques memorialising every Department of France.  Under the floor is the Ossuary holding unidentified remains of soldiers.  The bones can be seen through small windows in the basement.  Out of respect, I did not take pictures of the remains.

Memorial to defenders of Verdun

Memorial Museum at Verdun

 

A visit to the museum is well worth the admission charge.

Understanding World War I requires a visit to Verdun.  I recommend a rental car to gain the most from your visit.  You can take a train from Gare de L'est (Paris) changing at Chalons sur Marne for Verdun.  Check with the station information booth for exact instructions.

During the summer months, the Tourist Bureau in Verdun offers guided tours of the battlefield.  Check ahead on the availability of the bus tours.  Here is the link:

http://www.en.verdun-tourisme.com/