Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916

[Rob L]

Tomorrow morning I will be tipping my hat to the memory of the huge numbers of British and Commonwealth soldiers who died at the first onslaught at the Somme, 100 years ago.

19,000 died that day.

Rob

[savanna3313]

I don't know if everyone will be able to see this Facebook page, but there are some incredible short films plus information regarding this battle.

www.facebook.com/forcesbible/

[Sombeech]

Wow, I am not very familiar with this battle. Sounds like I should read up on it.

[Iceaxe]

18th century tactics meet 20th century weaponry and result in massive casualties and little results.

[erial]

Historian Andrew Roberts has an article about the battle in the July/August issue of the Smithsonian. He published a book about the battle last year. In both he highlights the artillery barrage that was supposed to decimate the German lines, but failed in part due to a high percentage of duds. He notes that most of the shells were made in America. Ouch. He also chides ol' Black Jack for not adapting tactics in 1917 that the Brits and the French used after the Somme battle.

[geffy]

Sounds like I should read up on it.

[Rob L]

With the $ so strong against both the £ and the Euro, all Americans should all consider jumping on a jet to come and see places like the Somme, Ypres, etc. It is very sobering.

Rob