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.
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