The Somme News - No.14

Good morning and welcome back to The Somme News. day ninety-five of the battle has seen a day of heavy rainfall and misty conditions. British soldiers have recovered Eaucourt L'Abbaye, whilst this afternoon saw Rawlinson making the first of two planned visits to local Royal Flying Corps squadrons. Soldiers have today spent their time catching up on sleep, writing home and just generally recuperating as best they can in trench conditions. 

This morning on the battlefield has seen yet more heavy rainfall, making conditions even more harsh and dangerous, with roads and tracks also in a bad way, making any movement a struggle. This led to a decision made by Rawlinson this morning to postpone a series of planned operations for forty-eight hours. I have been notified that talented flying ace, Albert Ball has been posted back to England, although on what grounds I am unable to say. 

Trench morale is at a new low on this day ninety-seven as wet and windy conditions are making the soldiers tired, uncomfortable and restless. British soldiers have today advanced north-west of Eaucourt whilst French soldiers have also been making progress to the east of Morval. In other news, ground conditions are making it extremely difficult for the collection of casualties as well as the bringing up of stores and munitions. 

Rain continued to fall during the night, making sleeping almost impossible as the weather turned more blustery. Today however, the sun came out, and that, paired with the strong winds we are currently experiencing, have meant that the ground is starting to dry out a little. Pack horses have spent much of today, carrying much needed ammunition and food to the infantry in the trenches. Haig paid a lunch visit to Rawlinson earlier today, where it is said he expressed his view that he wants the battle to go on until the winter, unless the weather makes it impossible. Rawlinson also decided that the planned attacks for the 7th should go ahead due the improving ground conditions. 

7th October, the day of the planned attacks. Despite lack of sleep due to a very wet and windy night, the attack goes ahead. Windy conditions paired with low clouds interfered with flying, nevertheless, at 1.45pm the attack began. British and French soldiers made their advance on the Albert-Bapaume road, with British soldiers advancing 1,000 yards in order to capture Le Sars. French soldiers manage to advance to the north-east of Morval, reaching to within 200 yards of Sailly. This evening, whilst exhausted soldiers prepare for nightfall, Rawlinson hears the news that Lord French is to visit French soldiers. 

Day one hundred of the Battle of the Somme has been a busy one. Not only was the British line to the north and east of Courcelette advanced, although the enemy did attack and regain some trenches, but French soldiers also had success at Sailly-Saillisel, as did the Canadian soldiers, who captured both the Regina Trench and the Quadrilateral. However, rumours are filtering through that both of these have seen been lost. 

As week fourteen of the Battle of the Somme, British soldiers have made progress to the east of Le Sars, towards the Butte De Warlencourt.

Don't forget to check back on 16th October for all the latest news from the Somme front.