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