Welcome back to The Somme News where wet and windy conditions have been hindering operations throughout day eighty-one of the battle. In other news Trenchard took tea with Rawlinson earlier today where it is said that Trenchard told him the news that 400 aircraft have been damaged and shot down, with a lot of skilled pilots being killed in the process. It is thought the message he was trying to get through was that their is no longer the reserve of both pilots and aircraft available. Meanwhile Kiggel has reported Haigs views as being that the battle should continue until either a shortage of troops or a decline in the weather prevents further fighting.
With the rain and wind continuing throughout the night and into day eighty-two, causing huge problems and delays in bringing up much needed munitions to the front line trenches. Haig paid a visit to Rawlinson earlier today, where they both agreed to withdraw the 1st Cavalry Division. Rawlinson has also decided to delay the next planned attack until the 23rd of the month. I am pleased to announce that reports are currently coming through stating that German soldiers are retreating near Combles as we speak.
Despite a showery day, news from the front has been good. Firstly, the New Zealand soldiers have taken Cough Drop Alley as well as a large chunk of the Flers Line. Meanwhile, the 1st Division has captured Starfish Trench, whilst in the air, Albert Ball has destroyed two enemy aircraft.
Day eighty-four of the Battle of the Somme and I am pleased to announce that the Battle of Flers-Courcelette has come to an end. British soldiers have advanced to the east of Courcelette. In other news, the ground conditions have improved greatly as a result of the dry day we have had today. William Robertson has had tea today with Rawlinson and has apparently told him how Lloyd George is concerned about the number of casualties, with the main cause being Haig's direction of the battle.
We awoke this morning to the news that the planned attacks supposed to be taking place today were being delayed further until the 25th. Due to this, it has been a relatively quiet day, with the only other news to report is the 23rd Division making some ground to the east of Martinpuich.
Today has been another quiet day with soldiers catching up on trench duties, writing to loved ones and trying to get some sleep. The enemy staged an attack earlier today to the west of Lesboeufs but were unsuccessful.
Day eighty-seven of the Battle of the Somme has been a very successful one for the British with both Lesboeufs and Morval being successfully captured. The village of Combles has been hemmed in by Allied soldiers whilst French soldiers have made progress at Rancourt, Les Priez Farm and Fregicourt. Rawlinson is said to be extremely pleased with the progress made. As week twelve of the Battle of the Somme comes to a close, the Battle of Morval is only just beginning.
Don't forget to check back on the 2nd October for the latest news.
Welcome to Some Sunny Day, a blog that shows an insight into what life was like during war. As it is the 100th anniversary of the First World War, the blog is currently focusing on what life was like for everybody involved in this war from the home front to the front line.
Sunday, 25 September 2016
Friday, 23 September 2016
Tanks & The First World War - Intro
Just a little over one week ago marked the 100th anniversary of the tank. To mark this occasion, one very special tank took its place centre stage, in Trafalgar Square, London as a poignant reminder to those whose live was fought for inside those very tanks. To mark this momentous occasion, each week the Some Sunny Day Blog is going to be publishing an additional post all about the tanks of the first world war, as our own Tank 100 celebrations. Before this can be started, I want you to think about how tanks look today, the role they play in are battles during wartime, the protection they give, and then I want you to forget all about it. This is because, at the very start of the tank's journey, it was a completely different story.
To inspire you into thinking back to how different and new the invention of the tank was, I wanted to share with you part of an advert that the World Of Tanks game used in this years Tank Fest show guide, because for me, I think it puts it into perspective:
The above picture accompanied this advert, showing you exactly where it all began.
At the outbreak of the first world war, you could say that there was an early tank design in the form of the armoured vehicles that were being used and had done so during the previous years, however, protection of the crew was simply not enough in many of the vehicles and so loss of life was high.
Life began for the Tank when in early 1915, the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill set up the Landships Committee, in an attempt to come up with a new weapon that would help break the stalemate that had taken place in the trenches. Originally named Landships, after the committee that was in charge of their design, they were later names tanks for secrecy reasons.
I hope that in the following weeks, you will join the Some Sunny Day blog in exploring the tanks during the first world war, with it all beginning next week with a special guy called Willie.
To inspire you into thinking back to how different and new the invention of the tank was, I wanted to share with you part of an advert that the World Of Tanks game used in this years Tank Fest show guide, because for me, I think it puts it into perspective:
Dear Mark,
You stood at the forefront of a new world - a world of tanks.
Your tracks first moved 100 years ago, writing the first chapter in the history of unstoppable armoured vehicles.
You took a bold step into the future and your legacy continues to inspire millions of players every day.
The above picture accompanied this advert, showing you exactly where it all began.
At the outbreak of the first world war, you could say that there was an early tank design in the form of the armoured vehicles that were being used and had done so during the previous years, however, protection of the crew was simply not enough in many of the vehicles and so loss of life was high.
Life began for the Tank when in early 1915, the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill set up the Landships Committee, in an attempt to come up with a new weapon that would help break the stalemate that had taken place in the trenches. Originally named Landships, after the committee that was in charge of their design, they were later names tanks for secrecy reasons.
I hope that in the following weeks, you will join the Some Sunny Day blog in exploring the tanks during the first world war, with it all beginning next week with a special guy called Willie.
Monday, 19 September 2016
Somme 100 App Review
100 years ago today, the Battle of the Somme was raging and showed no sign of slowing up. Advancements and retreats on both sides was getting the war nowhere but with so many problems in the world today, not much is being said about it on the news.
I first heard about the Somme 100 App, creating by Dan Snow and The Royal British Legion, when he announced it on his YouTube channel on launch day. I downloaded it but didn't get a chance to have a proper look at it until a few days later and was pleasantly suprised at how much content and options there were.
The first thing I love it the simple homepage - With a background that looks like old paper (I remember recreating this as a child with a used teabag), your attention is immediately caught by the bright red poppy, a system especially of the First World War. But it's the picture of the three men that really got me thinking, for it is them that lived through the days at the Somme, just normal men with families and lives back home, that were fighting the enemy to survive each day. I think they simple homepage really pays tribute to those men, and makes you realised that it could have just as likely been you or I that were there.
For those who are learning about the Battle of the Somme for the first time, your first stop has to be there Battle Timeline. Here you will find key information about how the tension grew to start the war and then its split down into segments after that. For example, what happened on that first day or what happened at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. You also have the option to read interviews and letters or listen to the soldiers themselves talk about their experience. This particular option really showed me just how much like me and my family they were. When you see a black and white photograph, of a man wearing uniform that you have never seen, it makes it difficult to relate to but as soon as you hear them speaking, you realise just how much alike you are. This is shown even more so in a video clip of a poem The Royal British Legion have commissioned. In this clip, word artist Molly Case is talking to the camera, in a pub and as she talks the camera pans around to show our generation down the pub with friends, wearing everyday clothes and showed that effect of the war on just the people in that pub. It is hard to explain the effect it has on you watching it, unless you have seen it, but it certainly made me cry! In this section, you can also watch video clips by Dan Snow, telling you information such as how the British Army was supplied or what was it like away from the front line.
If like me, you want more of a breakdown of what happened Battle Timeline - Battle Day by Day is great, giving you the option to read about what is happening on a particular day. I love looking at each day, on the day before I get up each morning. Here, it means I have an insight into what those men were going through, 100 years ago, whilst I go to work or join my family for dinner and it makes me even more thankful for what they sacrificed.
The Battle of the Somme section is more of an overview and is great for help with homework or finding out about a particular section of the battle. Here you can also find out the key events for each month of the Battle and see how it progressed. The Map of the Somme section is a great interactive learning resource and shows just how close England was to the battles. Here you can choose the date range you want to look at and see what was going on in a particular area. The information on the Pals Battalions are great, with information of when they formed, what regiments they were part of and any more stories or information known about them. Finding out about different villages and what happened in them throughout the war in another great aspect of this section, whilst towards the end of the date range, you can see all the memorials that were created which is a good tool if you are thinking about visiting any of them yourself.
If you are looking for more of a birds eye view of what difference certain attacks made and on how important advancements were then the Animated Battle Maps are perfect for you. Here you can see exactly how the front line changed throughout the Battle of the Somme, whilst it also gives you an insight into just how close the British trenches were to the German trenches.
The search section is an added bonus so that if you want to find a bit of information that you were previously looking at, you can be directed straight to it rather than having to go through all the sections to find it yourself and the useful links section gives you information on were you can find even more information. If you have an problems with the app or are not sure how to use it, be sure to check out the frequently asked question section on there, where they cover pretty much everything you need to know.
Overall, I think the app is a great idea for the modern world, making it seem much more of a personal journey you are learning about and is great for both kids and adults. Each section has just a small section of writing so that you can actually take the information in and to make sure you understand, the animations show you what they mean. I highly recommend you checking the app out because it has so many different media types that will give you much more of an understanding that reading any book will and I hope that maybe in the future, more apps like this will be available, if only to make sure we always remember those brave soldiers in any war.
I first heard about the Somme 100 App, creating by Dan Snow and The Royal British Legion, when he announced it on his YouTube channel on launch day. I downloaded it but didn't get a chance to have a proper look at it until a few days later and was pleasantly suprised at how much content and options there were.
The first thing I love it the simple homepage - With a background that looks like old paper (I remember recreating this as a child with a used teabag), your attention is immediately caught by the bright red poppy, a system especially of the First World War. But it's the picture of the three men that really got me thinking, for it is them that lived through the days at the Somme, just normal men with families and lives back home, that were fighting the enemy to survive each day. I think they simple homepage really pays tribute to those men, and makes you realised that it could have just as likely been you or I that were there.
For those who are learning about the Battle of the Somme for the first time, your first stop has to be there Battle Timeline. Here you will find key information about how the tension grew to start the war and then its split down into segments after that. For example, what happened on that first day or what happened at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. You also have the option to read interviews and letters or listen to the soldiers themselves talk about their experience. This particular option really showed me just how much like me and my family they were. When you see a black and white photograph, of a man wearing uniform that you have never seen, it makes it difficult to relate to but as soon as you hear them speaking, you realise just how much alike you are. This is shown even more so in a video clip of a poem The Royal British Legion have commissioned. In this clip, word artist Molly Case is talking to the camera, in a pub and as she talks the camera pans around to show our generation down the pub with friends, wearing everyday clothes and showed that effect of the war on just the people in that pub. It is hard to explain the effect it has on you watching it, unless you have seen it, but it certainly made me cry! In this section, you can also watch video clips by Dan Snow, telling you information such as how the British Army was supplied or what was it like away from the front line.
If like me, you want more of a breakdown of what happened Battle Timeline - Battle Day by Day is great, giving you the option to read about what is happening on a particular day. I love looking at each day, on the day before I get up each morning. Here, it means I have an insight into what those men were going through, 100 years ago, whilst I go to work or join my family for dinner and it makes me even more thankful for what they sacrificed.
The Battle of the Somme section is more of an overview and is great for help with homework or finding out about a particular section of the battle. Here you can also find out the key events for each month of the Battle and see how it progressed. The Map of the Somme section is a great interactive learning resource and shows just how close England was to the battles. Here you can choose the date range you want to look at and see what was going on in a particular area. The information on the Pals Battalions are great, with information of when they formed, what regiments they were part of and any more stories or information known about them. Finding out about different villages and what happened in them throughout the war in another great aspect of this section, whilst towards the end of the date range, you can see all the memorials that were created which is a good tool if you are thinking about visiting any of them yourself.
If you are looking for more of a birds eye view of what difference certain attacks made and on how important advancements were then the Animated Battle Maps are perfect for you. Here you can see exactly how the front line changed throughout the Battle of the Somme, whilst it also gives you an insight into just how close the British trenches were to the German trenches.
The search section is an added bonus so that if you want to find a bit of information that you were previously looking at, you can be directed straight to it rather than having to go through all the sections to find it yourself and the useful links section gives you information on were you can find even more information. If you have an problems with the app or are not sure how to use it, be sure to check out the frequently asked question section on there, where they cover pretty much everything you need to know.
Overall, I think the app is a great idea for the modern world, making it seem much more of a personal journey you are learning about and is great for both kids and adults. Each section has just a small section of writing so that you can actually take the information in and to make sure you understand, the animations show you what they mean. I highly recommend you checking the app out because it has so many different media types that will give you much more of an understanding that reading any book will and I hope that maybe in the future, more apps like this will be available, if only to make sure we always remember those brave soldiers in any war.
Sunday, 18 September 2016
The Somme News - No. 11
Day seventy-four of the Battle of the Somme has seen intense bombardment thought to be in preparation for the rumoured attack on the 15th. Meanwhile French soldiers have taken the area to the south of Combles right up to the river.
By the end of day seventy-five I am pleased to report that further action by French soldiers have led to them progressing even further to the south-east of Combles.
Rawlinson has returned from his break in Boulogne, with a visit being paid to himself from Haig. It is thought that Haig has pressed how urgent it is that Martinpuich should be attacked as soon as possible as well as stating that the cavalry should be pushed out towards the Le Sars area. Whilst this meeting was taking place, British soldiers began storming trenches to the south-east of Thiepval and succeeded in taking the Wonderwork.
Seventy-seven days after the Battle of the Somme began was a day of great progress for the Allies, with British soldiers being the third phases of the battle. They advanced a staggering six mile front, to a depth of 2,000 to 3,000 yards. Tanks made their first ever appearance in battle and aided in the capture of Flers, Martinpuich, Courcelette and High Wood. Meanwhile, the French Army progressed to the south of Rancourt and captured a system of trenches north of Priez Farm. The Quadilateral German position caused delays as the soldiers advancing towards Lesboeufs were drawn into battle. By nightfall, Rawlinson expressed how pleased he was with the part played by the tanks in the advancement and was already thinking of the future battles to come.
Not to be outdone, the New Zealanders made progress today both to he north and the west of Flers. German soldiers staged a counter-attack at Courcelette but the British was triumphant, gaining even more territory, with Danube Trench and Mouquet Farm being taken.
With so much success in the previous few days, Haig returned to the front to visit Rawlinson, in order to congratulate him on the progress made this week. For soldiers, it was a relatively quiet day, with constant rain and only the consolidation of the 15th Division at Martinpuich to report.
Despite the continuing rainfall, the 6th Division managed to take the troublesome Quadrilateral, situated between Ginchy and Bouleux Wood to a depth of 1,000 yards, bringing day eighty and week eleven of the Battle of the Somme to a close.
Don't forget to check back on the 25th September for more news.
By the end of day seventy-five I am pleased to report that further action by French soldiers have led to them progressing even further to the south-east of Combles.
Rawlinson has returned from his break in Boulogne, with a visit being paid to himself from Haig. It is thought that Haig has pressed how urgent it is that Martinpuich should be attacked as soon as possible as well as stating that the cavalry should be pushed out towards the Le Sars area. Whilst this meeting was taking place, British soldiers began storming trenches to the south-east of Thiepval and succeeded in taking the Wonderwork.
Seventy-seven days after the Battle of the Somme began was a day of great progress for the Allies, with British soldiers being the third phases of the battle. They advanced a staggering six mile front, to a depth of 2,000 to 3,000 yards. Tanks made their first ever appearance in battle and aided in the capture of Flers, Martinpuich, Courcelette and High Wood. Meanwhile, the French Army progressed to the south of Rancourt and captured a system of trenches north of Priez Farm. The Quadilateral German position caused delays as the soldiers advancing towards Lesboeufs were drawn into battle. By nightfall, Rawlinson expressed how pleased he was with the part played by the tanks in the advancement and was already thinking of the future battles to come.
Not to be outdone, the New Zealanders made progress today both to he north and the west of Flers. German soldiers staged a counter-attack at Courcelette but the British was triumphant, gaining even more territory, with Danube Trench and Mouquet Farm being taken.
With so much success in the previous few days, Haig returned to the front to visit Rawlinson, in order to congratulate him on the progress made this week. For soldiers, it was a relatively quiet day, with constant rain and only the consolidation of the 15th Division at Martinpuich to report.
Despite the continuing rainfall, the 6th Division managed to take the troublesome Quadrilateral, situated between Ginchy and Bouleux Wood to a depth of 1,000 yards, bringing day eighty and week eleven of the Battle of the Somme to a close.
Don't forget to check back on the 25th September for more news.
Thursday, 15 September 2016
READ ALL ABOUT IT - TWO FLYING BOATS SINK SUBMARINE
100 years ago, in 1916, the First World War was raging and at its height. The Battle of the Somme had been going on for over seventy days and would become one of the most well known battles of the entire war.
As the First World War begun, a French submarine known as Faucault was assigned to the French Mediterranean Fleet who had two main objectives - either tempt the Austro-Hungarian fleet into battle or blockading its home port. First launched on the 12th June 1912, Faucault was a relatively new submarine and so would play a huge part in the fleet. On the 15th September 1916, Faucault was positioned just off the coast of Cattaro, ready for action.
Also in the area at the same time were two flying boats. Known as the Hansa-Brandenburg CC, these flying boats were designed by Ernst Heinkel and built in 1915, becoming fully active with the Austro-Hungarian Navy. They were designed similar to the Lohner L flying boats, used at the time for reconnaissance, with a wooden hull, much like a boat and were single seater to be as light as possible, aiding it to float. The technichle measurements were as follows - a length of 25ft 2 inches, a height of 11ft 8 inches and a wingspan of 30ft 6 inches. To keep as light as possible to be able to land on water, the Hansa-Brandenburg CC only usually carried with it a 8mm Schwarzlose machine gun but still when fully loaded, still weighed in at 2,381 lbs. In flight it had a top speed of 175 km/h.
The two Austro-Hungarian flying boats spotted this submarine from the air and proceeded to launch their weapons at Faucault, cutting all power and making it rise to the surface. With this going on above them, the crew of the Faucault were ordered to abandon the submarine and thankfully all crew members were able to exit the submarine without any casualties. But this was not the end of the story...
Because of the design of the aircraft, being that it could land on ground or sea, once the crew saw that the submariners were abandoning the submarine, were able to land directly on the sea and hold all of the submariners prisoner. This position was held until an Austrian torpedo boat came and collected the prisoners who then spend the remainder of the war as prisoners of war.
The two flying boats made history that day, becoming the first aircraft to sink a submarine, with their victim, Faucault, being sunk just four years after it was first launched.
Sunday, 11 September 2016
The Somme News - No.10
The start of yet another week on the battlefields on the Somme and day 67 has seen some advancement. Not only has most of Leuze Wood been captured but the Allied line has been moved forward 1,500 yards, East of Guillemont. As a result of recent fighting, the German Second Line is now occupied completely by Allies.
We awoke this morning (day 68) to yet more good news, on hearing that Falfemont Farm had been taken during the night. Furthermore, I am pleased to announce that not only is the British advance to Ginchy completed, Guillemont has also been consolidated. This turned out to be the best day for Asquith to visit and have lunch with Rawlinson. He also spent time visiting the front, taking time out to inspect the ruins of Fricourt. Also visiting the front today was Maurice Hankey and Maurice Bonham-Carter.
After several visits yesterday and much news to be celebrated, day 69, although a lot of aerial activity, has seen little else, with nothing more to add.
Day 70 of the battle of the Somme has seen an attack to the west end of High Wood. This attack has had devastating effects to the Gloucester Regiment who suffered high loss of life.
The rain has returned on the 71st day of the battle, despite this, trenches have been taken both to the north and ease of Leuze Wood. I'm pleased to report Ginchy has also fallen into the Allies hands.
The battle of the Somme has now been raging for 72 days now, with rain constantly falling making conditions hazardous. Despite this, counter-attacks at Ginchy have been repulsed, whilst the British Line to the east of Guillemont has moved forward. In other news, Rawlinson attended a conference earlier today, with the main point being how best to use tanks in future battles.
It's now day 73 of the battle, making it the end of week 10. Rawlinson, after his conference yesterday, is currently said to be taking a break at Boulogne, probably preparing himself for a rumoured attack in the next few days. A large fire broke out earlier today at Grandcourt, after British artillery hit a German ammunition dump. The fire is currently still raging.
Remember to check back here on the 18th September to hear the latest news.
We awoke this morning (day 68) to yet more good news, on hearing that Falfemont Farm had been taken during the night. Furthermore, I am pleased to announce that not only is the British advance to Ginchy completed, Guillemont has also been consolidated. This turned out to be the best day for Asquith to visit and have lunch with Rawlinson. He also spent time visiting the front, taking time out to inspect the ruins of Fricourt. Also visiting the front today was Maurice Hankey and Maurice Bonham-Carter.
After several visits yesterday and much news to be celebrated, day 69, although a lot of aerial activity, has seen little else, with nothing more to add.
Day 70 of the battle of the Somme has seen an attack to the west end of High Wood. This attack has had devastating effects to the Gloucester Regiment who suffered high loss of life.
The rain has returned on the 71st day of the battle, despite this, trenches have been taken both to the north and ease of Leuze Wood. I'm pleased to report Ginchy has also fallen into the Allies hands.
The battle of the Somme has now been raging for 72 days now, with rain constantly falling making conditions hazardous. Despite this, counter-attacks at Ginchy have been repulsed, whilst the British Line to the east of Guillemont has moved forward. In other news, Rawlinson attended a conference earlier today, with the main point being how best to use tanks in future battles.
It's now day 73 of the battle, making it the end of week 10. Rawlinson, after his conference yesterday, is currently said to be taking a break at Boulogne, probably preparing himself for a rumoured attack in the next few days. A large fire broke out earlier today at Grandcourt, after British artillery hit a German ammunition dump. The fire is currently still raging.
Remember to check back here on the 18th September to hear the latest news.
Sunday, 4 September 2016
The Somme News - No. 9
Already we are on day sixty of the Battle of the Somme and it seems the end is nowhere in sight. Trenches are still very much flooded and heavy rain is continuing to fall - so much for summer. Since the battle began on the 1st July, the British have managed to capture 266 German Officers and15,203 other ranks as well as 86 guns and 160 machine guns.
In other news, we have just received reports that Von Hindenburg has been appointed Chief of General Staff in place of Von Falkenhayn and Von Ludendorff as Chief Quarter Master General.
Day sixty-one has seen yet more rain falling. The trenches at Guillemont are still very wet and muddy.
Day sixty-two has seen the first official sighting of the German aircraft Albatros, whilst in other aviation news, flying ace Albert Ball has managed to shoot down two enemy aircraft today. On the ground, fierce German attacks between Ginchy and High Wood have thankfully been repulsed.
German attacks at High Wood have failed today on day sixty-three but we have just received news that they are back again in the eastern side of Delville Wood.
Day sixty-four of the Battle of the Somme has seen another inspection of the tanks led by Henry Rawlinson. He has voiced his opinion that he is not pleased with their training and handling, having seen no great improvement from his last visit.
Raining again on a busy day sixty-five. I am pleased to announce that the battle for Delville Wood and Pozieres Ridge has come to an end. The battle for Guillemont was won by the British but hours later was lost. Continuous fighting towards Falfemont Farm and High Wood can currently be heard.
Day sixty-six and the end of week nine of the Battle of the Somme has seen showers on and off all day, making conditions even more dangerous. Another attack on Falfemont Farm has failed whilst at the same time Douglas Haig has been having tea with Henry Rawlinson were he has urged him of the necessity of pressing on. Douglas Haig has also announced how pleased he is at the taking of Guillemont.
Whilst at the time, the British were unaware of it, the sight of the Albatros plane in the sky was to be the start of a turn in the air war and one that was now in Germany's favour. This aircraft had twice the fire power of a British fighter and fired synchronised machine guns between its propeller blades.
Don't forget to check back here on the 18th September for the latest news.
In other news, we have just received reports that Von Hindenburg has been appointed Chief of General Staff in place of Von Falkenhayn and Von Ludendorff as Chief Quarter Master General.
Day sixty-one has seen yet more rain falling. The trenches at Guillemont are still very wet and muddy.
Day sixty-two has seen the first official sighting of the German aircraft Albatros, whilst in other aviation news, flying ace Albert Ball has managed to shoot down two enemy aircraft today. On the ground, fierce German attacks between Ginchy and High Wood have thankfully been repulsed.
German attacks at High Wood have failed today on day sixty-three but we have just received news that they are back again in the eastern side of Delville Wood.
Day sixty-four of the Battle of the Somme has seen another inspection of the tanks led by Henry Rawlinson. He has voiced his opinion that he is not pleased with their training and handling, having seen no great improvement from his last visit.
Raining again on a busy day sixty-five. I am pleased to announce that the battle for Delville Wood and Pozieres Ridge has come to an end. The battle for Guillemont was won by the British but hours later was lost. Continuous fighting towards Falfemont Farm and High Wood can currently be heard.
Day sixty-six and the end of week nine of the Battle of the Somme has seen showers on and off all day, making conditions even more dangerous. Another attack on Falfemont Farm has failed whilst at the same time Douglas Haig has been having tea with Henry Rawlinson were he has urged him of the necessity of pressing on. Douglas Haig has also announced how pleased he is at the taking of Guillemont.
Whilst at the time, the British were unaware of it, the sight of the Albatros plane in the sky was to be the start of a turn in the air war and one that was now in Germany's favour. This aircraft had twice the fire power of a British fighter and fired synchronised machine guns between its propeller blades.
Don't forget to check back here on the 18th September for the latest news.
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