BATTLE OF THE SOMME
Visit the overgrown trenches of the Somme
by jeremy rockwell and garrett bohnenkamp
Battle of the Somme - Real Footage
The sum of the action
The Somme offensive was meant to be a great victory for the allies, however it ends in a decisive defeat. After bombing the enemy forces with over 1.5 million rounds of artillery , the allied forces began their advance. The bombing was a clear warning to the Germans and most of the shells didn't explode. the allied forces arrived to a heavily defended front.
Casualties and Troop Count
The British forces began their advance with around 195,000 men along side the Frances 165,000 men. The Germans held the trenches with, at first, about 150,000 soldiers. However, the overall troop count by the end of the battle was, for the British around 765,000 men, for the French about 720,000 soldiers and for the Germans about 750,000 men. The British forces lost about 58,000 men in the offensive while on the french front Around 200,000 men. The Germans, however, had the highest casualties which was about 465,000 men.
Who was in charge?
The French were directed by a man named Joseph Joffre who was in alliance with the British commander, Sir Douglas Haig. The German defense was lead by a man named Schlacht An Der Somme.
How was Life in the Trenches?
Life in the trenches involved long sleepless nights for days at a time while being bombarded and charged throughout the week. The nights with sleep and with less worry was when the troops were taken off the line for a few days of rests.
Places to visit
If your like those soldiers that spent their time in the trenches I'm sure you'll be hungry. I would highly suggest to you the Old Blighty Tea Room which is near by. Also I would advise you to visit the Ulster Memorial Tower Visitor Centre.