Christmas 1916

Christmas 1916. Although the nation didn't know it, was slap bang right in the middle of the war. Had they known they were only half way through, I would imagine they would have soon given up. December 1916 was a hard one, both on the front and at home. The soldiers on the front had spent months fighting day and night during the battle of the Somme and had seen the friends injured or killed among them. 

The home front was full of shortages, especially from the likes of bread and meat. German naval operations over the previous months had meant that everything seemed to be in short supply and what there was saw a huge price increase almost overnight. To add to this, Europe seemed to be having the worst weather in over thirty years and so you can imagine how low morale was getting. 

Telegrams were still arriving each day, they certainly couldn't stop for Christmas. However, what was different was how much more of a greater understanding the home front had. This was due to The Somme film being released in cinemas around the country. It was the first time anything like this had been shown and for women was the first real insight into what war was really like. They now knew that when those telegrams arrived, the chances were that suffering had probably been endured before death. 

The home front did try to connect with the front line soldiers, with many people putting together food hampers or knitting scarves and socks to send to the soldiers. Of course, families still sent letters and parcels to their loved ones if they could, but now there was a greater sense of doing there bit.

Christmas was so different then compared to now. Homes didn't have electric and so there were none of the pretty lights we all love to see around. Neither were presents wrapped because that was a waste and could be better used to help the war effort. People didn't expect to get a present either but were grateful if they received one. Remembering this certainly does make you appreciate the things you have got in life and shows the true meaning of Christmas - to be with those you love and cherish memories that are made. 

I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas this year. I wanted to end by sharing this poem I read recently by an Australian soldier named Leslie George Rub. In a round about way, he tells you exactly what life was like during Christmas 1916, so I hope you enjoy it!

Christmas Day On The Somme

‘Twas Christmas Day on the Somme

The men stood on parade, 

The snow laid six feet on the ground

Twas twenty in the shade.

Up spoke the Captain ‘gallant man’,

“Just hear what I’ve to say, 

You may not have remembered that

Today is Christmas Day.”

“The General has expressed a wish

This day may be observed, 

Today you will only work eight hours,

A rest that’s well deserved.”

“I hope you’ll keep yourselves quite clean

And smart and spruce and nice,

The stream is frozen hard

But a pick will break the ice.”

“All men will get two biscuits each,

I’m sure you’re tired of bread,

I’m sorry there’s no turkey

But there’s Bully Beef instead.”

“The puddings plum have not arrived

But they are on their way,

I’ll guarantee they’ll be in time

To eat next Christmas Day.”

“You’re parcels would have been in time

But I regret to say

The vessel which conveyed them was

Torpedoed on the way.”

“The Quartermaster’s got your rum

But you may get some yet,

Each man will be presented with

A Woodbine cigarette.”

“The Huns have caught us in the rear

And painted France all red,

Pray do not let that trouble you, 

Tomorrow you’ll be dead.”

“Now ere you go I will you all

This season of good cheer,

A very happy Christmas and

A prosperous New Year.”

The Battle Of The Somme

Friday the 18th November marked the 100th anniversary of the ending of the Battle of the Somme. It was a battle that lasted months and would become one of the most famous in the years to come. Over the last few months, A Wartime Life has been reflected on what each day was like in our The Somme News series. On the last post of this series, I published how great the news was but in reality, for the soldiers on the front, it was probably just another day - after all, the war was still raging and would carry on for another two years. 

From The Somme News series, you would have seen what really happened on the Somme battlefield and will be able to make your own mind up about whether it was a success or a failure. You will probably be able to see why so many men were lost or devastatingly injured and will now know that the Battle of the Somme was not a battle going forward, but one filled with gaining land as well as retreating with a lot of stalemate in between. 

But what makes the Battle of the Somme so special and such a turning point in history is the release of The Somme film in the Autumn of 1916. It was designed to be a propaganda piece but it ended up being so much more. For the first time ever, news reels shown in the cinema showed real fighting and death. It made people understand what killed in action really meant - it wasn't dying in your sleep peacefully. Instead it was usually dying of wounds, in pain and all alone. 

In fact, The Somme film was so popular that within just six weeks of the film being released, 20 million people had been to see it. For the first time, women on the home front were able to get an idea of what their menfolk were going through and what wartime was like on a battlefield far away. For one woman, she would get more than she bargined for when, at the cinema watching the film, she saw a clip of her husband on a stretcher. The horrors of war were there for all on the home front to see and I would imagine it really proved itself as a propaganda piece. It showed fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, all in the thick of it and of course the families at home, watching the film would be looking at the faces shown, to see if it was one of their loved ones. 

The Somme film gave the home front a reason to continue doing their bit and not to complain, because it was nothing compared to what the brave soldiers on the front were enduring. I believe this to be a turning point in the war, because it gave the people of Britain the strength and drive to carry on and eventually the energy to win the war. It gave those, who maybe weren't as of yet, doing anything to help win the war, a reason to do so. Whether it be something as simple as knit socks for soldiers or something more, it all helped. 

The Somme News - No. 20

Welcome back to the Somme News and week twenty, it certainly feels never ending. Despite an overcast day, our moods were lifted with the news that the number of prisoners we have taken over the last two days has reached over 5,200. British soldiers advanced to the east of the Butte De Warlencourt, adding to the previous number. Haig was seen paying a visit to Rawlinson earlier today, whilst on his way to Paris for a conference and is said to be delighted at Gough's success. 

Not much to report for day one hundred and thirty eight apart from that a German counter-attack earlier today failed. The mood in the trench is sombre tonight, as one chum said as how on the 15th November every year without fail, his mother would make the Christmas cake and he expected he would miss out on another one. It made us all wonder how much longer this war would drag on and which Christmas would it be over by. 

We awoke to a clear but cold day. British soldiers managed to extend their line eastwards from Beaucourt today but retreated from part of the ground to the east of the Butte De Warlencourt. Meanwhile, Rawlinson took Lord Milner to Candas aerodrome earlier, where they enjoyed a tour led by Trenchard as well as watching some flying that had been arranged for them. 

There is not really anything to report on day one hundred and forty of the battle of the Somme apart from that there have been further advances on the Ancre. 

What a momentous day, today, on the 18th November 1916, we received the news that the battle of the Somme was over after British soldiers advanced north and south of the Ancre, reaching the outskirts of Grandcourt. Operations over the Somme are now over but I'm sure a new battle will commence soon. 

The Somme News - No 19

Welcome back to The Somme News and week nineteen of the battle from a very wet trench on the front. Despite heavy rainfall throughout the day, British soldiers have made progress to the east of the Butte De Warlencourt. We are now preparing to bed down for the night, in what can only be described as an awful environment. 

Day one hundred and thirty one of the battle and the rain is yet to stop. Thankfully, I am pleased to report that German soldiers have been repulsed at Saillisel, although I expect they will try again soon. Most of us received parcels from home today, but we made sure that we shared what we had around, because lets face it, we are all in this together now. 

We awoke this morning, with a lighter mood, perhaps because it is a bright and clear Autumn day today. We spent most of the day watching aerial dog fights above us, in which we counted 36 British and 40 German aircraft. Rawlinson received complaints this evening from British gunners who have stated that there are just far too many German aircraft flying over Allied territory. 

We were told this morning that one hundred and thirty three days into battle, Rawlinson was going to be touring part of the battlefield today. He visited Ginchy and Delville Wood and when asked, told reporters how appalled he was at the sight of the roads beyond Ginchy. At the same time, British soldiers managed to capture the east portion of Regina Trench, situated to the north of Thiepval. Not to be outdone, French soldiers captured several trenches to the north east of Lesboeufs. 

We were awoken sharply during the night from bombs dropping nearby from German aircraft, they certainly caused casualties because you could hear the men's cries echoing in the night. We were told to try and get some sleep, but when we awoke in the morning it was a very misty and cloudy day or was that just smoke and dust from last nights chaos. As pay back, the British have spent the day bombarding German trenches on the Ancre. 

Nothing much to report on day one hundred and thirty five of the Battle of the Somme apart from that Henry Wilson paid a visit to Rawlinson earlier today. It is believed they shared the hope that the big attack will take place tomorrow, although as of yet, we have received no news.   

As week nineteen draws to a close, I thought I would very quickly report on what took place today, although I am very weary. We awoke to a foggy start and were told that the Battle of Ancre was about to begin. Beaumont Hamel was stormed by British soldiers, where they took 3,000 prisoners. This apparently is the beginning of the fourth phase of the Battle of the Somme. Rawlinson described today's operations as being a great day for Gough and the fifth Army and I believe so too!

Join us next time for the latest news from the Somme battlefield. 

The Somme News - No.17 & No.18

Welcome back to the Somme news and as the title suggests, we have two weeks put together on the news front, due to a shortage of supplies as well as the delay in our letters being collected. Week seventeen begun with a dull Monday with constant rainfall. French soldiers retook Douaumont, capturing 3,500 prisoners. Meanwhile, Trenchard took tea with Rawlinson, where it is said that they discussed the news that the enemy is currently producing aircraft at a rate of a thousand a month. It is believed that this is the main cause for the Royal Flying Corps having lost six hundred and sixty machines since the battle began on the 1st July. 

Day one hundred and seventeen of the Battle of the Somme, saw very little action with the current shortage of supplies really reducing the effectiveness of the artillery. This paired with the rain we endured all morning, put trench morale at a low. 

We awoke to the news on the 26th October, that due to the bad weather, Rawlinson had decided to postpone today's planned operation until the 30th. Rumours have filtered through that Rawlinson is currently on a break in Versailles, which have left the men wishing they could do the same. Instead, we are stuck in our trench, with the rain still falling, tired, wet and hungry. 

The next morning, we were met by not only wet but cold conditions too. The conditions in fact were so bad, that Rawlinson has voiced his opinion that it would be a physical impossibility for the infantry to advance. Moving up and down the trenches is hard enough, moving across no mans land would wear us all out completely. 

Day one hundred and twenty of the battle was a very wet and cold day. Despite this, morale was lifted with the news that German flying ace Oswald Boelcke has been killed in a collision with one of his pilots, so that's one less to worry about. 

The next morning, despite very wet conditions, Allied soldiers were able to take Dewdrop and Hazy trenches by lunchtime. This was the first action we had seen in days. 

As week seventeen of the Battle of the Somme drew to a close, the condition of the roads were worse than ever, with more rain expected. Having said this, French soldiers managed to take enemy trenches to the north-west of Sailly-Saillisel. 

The beginning of week eighteen began with Rawlinson said to be in despairs, with no further advancements being possible. Road and trench conditions are now extremely bad indeed, with the area around Guedecourt waterlogged. 

Day one hundred and twenty-four saw under heavy rain, a German counter-attack against Sailly-Saillisel repulsed, Allied soldiers advancing north-east of Lesboeufs as well as German soldiers evacutaing Fort Vaux (Verdun). 

The next couple of days have nothing much to report apart from on the 2nd October British soldiers managed to capture trenches east of Guedecourt and on the 3rd October, French soldiers advancing to the outskirts of Vaux (Verdun). Both days were met with heavy rainfall throughout, with the area around us now resembling a swamp. In fact we have more chance of dying by slipping off the duck boards than we do under enemy fire. 

Day one hundred and twenty seven of the battle saw a conference take place with Rawlinson, Haig and Foch, the details of which have not yet been released. Meanwhile, French soldiers occupied Damlup in Verdun. 

By the end of the next day, we received the news that French soldiers had managed to occupy the whole of Vaux (Verdun). Not to be left out, the British soldiers made some progress at the Butte De Warlencourt, towards Le Transloy. The Anzac Corps won Bayonet Trench but by nightfall, the news filtered through that it had been lost again. 

As week eighteen of the Battle of the Somme comes to a close, we have just received the news that French soldiers have progressed near St Pierre Wood. For the rest of us, we are currently trying to make ourselves as comfortable as possible, to get some sleep, before the heavy rain comes back. 

Don't forget to come back next Sunday for all the latest news from the Battle of the Somme.

The Somme News - No 16

Good morning and welcome back to the one hundredth and ninth day of the Battle of the Somme. Not much has happened today, with soldiers trying to catch up on much needed sleep that had been missed last night due to the heavy rainfall. Haig met with Rawlinson earlier today, where it is said they discussed plans for future battles. 

Despite constant rain this morning, I am pleased to announce that the Battle of the Transloy Ridge is over. This is not the only piece of good news, as British soldiers have made progress north of Guedecourt whilst French soldiers made progress succeeding in pushing the German's out of Sailly. It is reported that Rawlinson has described today's events as partially successful. 

One hundred and eleven days since the Battle of the Somme began. Constant heavy rain last night as well as this morning has meant both the roads and ground surface are in a dreadful state, making any movement difficult. As a result, planned reserve army operations have been postponed for forty-eight hours. 

We awoke this morning to very cold conditions as Autumn really sets in. In fact is is reportedly the lowest temperature recorded so far during the Somme battle. Despite this, we are soldiering on, with heavy German attacks against the Schwaben and Thiepval Plateau both being repulsed. There has been much aerial activity today with many reconnaissance missions taking place. Earlier today, we even witnessed a German Albatros aircraft get shot down close to High Wood. 

Day one hundred and thirteen of the Battle of the Somme is the day I am pleased to say British soldiers advanced on a line between the Schwaben Redoubt and Le Sars, capturing a vast amount of prisioners of war in the process. Meanwhile, A.J Balfour paid a visit to Rawlinson earlier on, where it is said they discussed the supply of steal not being adequate and where Balfour expressed how anxious he was about the sheer number of casualties of this battle so far. 

Yesterday, day one hundred and fourteen was a bitterly cold day with very little action and therefore there was very little to report. However, we awoke early this morning to misty conditions, yet we pressed on, with British soldiers advancing towards Le Transloy, capturing numerous enemy trenches in the process. Meanwhile Kiggell and Gough had tea with Rawlinson, where they all agreed to postpone the planned attack on the 25th, twenty-four hours, bringing week sixteen of the Battle of the Somme to a close. 

Remember to check back at the same time next week for the latest news from the Somme front.

The Somme News - No.15

Welcome back to the fifteenth edition of the Somme News on this fine, sunny day. It is reported that French soldiers have had success near Chaulnes. Meanwhile, Rawlinson has been inspecting both the roads and rails nearby and has stated that they have both "simply disappeared". He has also reported that the desolation all around us "is appalling". 

We awoke on day one hundred and three of the battle with slight rain. Despite this, the Battle of the Ancre Heights has thankfully ended, whilst French soldiers successfully repulsed German attacks at the Bois De Chaulnes. 

Day one hundred and four of the Battle of the Somme has been a busy one for British soldiers, with them attacking a huge four mile front between Eaucourt and Bapaume. There is casualties and chaos all around me currently and I would say as a general undertaking, the attack has failed. 

After yesterdays' failed attack, there is not much else to report other than Rawlinson holding a Corps Conference, the details of such are securely under wraps for secrecy reasons. 

On day one hundred and six of the Battle of the Somme, there was not really much to report. In the years to come, when Rawlinson's diary became available to the public, his thoughts on the 14th October were that "the weather will bring the battle to a close soon. The glass is falling and the rain will shortly return. The roads will then become impassable and ammunition will not then be got to the guns." In his diary he also adds that the casualties so far since the 1st July have reached 40,000 and yet there would be many more to add to that list before the battle ended. 

Day one hundred and seven today and we awoke to heavy rain as the Autumn is drawing in. British soldiers have been making progress all day in the Schwaden Redoubt and Thiepval areas. Whilst this was taking place, Rawlinson led an inspection of the ground at Longueval, Deville Wood and High Wood. He also passed comment that he believed German soldiers were, at the present time, reviving themselves in the battle and fighting with greater tenacity. 

We awoke this morning to a white frost all around us, which was bitterly cold, although the sun did come out during the day. As a result, no operations took place as day one hundred and eight and week fifteen of the Battle of the Somme come to a close. 

Don't forget to check back next week for all the latest news from the Somme. 

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.

The Somme News - No 13

Welcome to week thirteen of the Battle of the Somme with news coming straight to you from the front. Good advancements today, with Combles falling straight into Allied hands, British soldiers storming Guedecourt and Thiepval finally being captured, after much fighting over the last few weeks. As a consequence, the battle for Thiepval Ridge has begun.

Day eighty-nine has seen some heavy showers this afternoon. Despite this, British soldiers have advanced to the north of Flers, to the east of Eaucourt L'Abbaye.

Today has been a busy day on the front line. British soldiers have attacked the Schwaben Redoubt on the crest of Thiepval Plateau and captured the most part. They managed to advance to the north and north-east of Courcelette situated between Martinpuich and Guedecourt. At the same time, French soldiers made progress at Morval with the Battle of Morval Ridge ending. Rawlinson today made an inspection of the current ground conditions and describes them as appalling. The ground is completely flattened to the point of the extension of railways being made impossible. The whole ground is a sea of soldiers, guns and bivouacs.

Today's weather has been miserable, with very wet and windy conditions, making flying conditions hazardous. Having said this, British soldiers have managed to capture Destremont Farm, which for those of you who don't know, is a strongly defended group of buildings that have taken weeks to capture.

On day ninety-two of the Battle of the Somme, I am pleased to announce that the Thiepval Ridge has been captured except for the Schwaben Redoubt area.

As one battle ends, another one begins with the Battle of Translay Ridge and Ancre Height beginning. It was a successful day for British soldiers today, after attacking the line Eaucourt Le Sars, situated on the Albert-Bapaume Road, completing all of the objectives and advances on a front of 3,000 yards.

As week thirteen of the Battle of the Somme comes to a close, I am sad to report that it has been a bad day. Not only has the heavy rain continued to fall, misty conditions meant that no flying has taken place today. Without aerial bombardment, German soldiers were able to stage a counter-attack in Eaucourt, where the British soldiers failed to hold onto Le Sars.

Don't forget to check back on the 9th October for all the latest news from the Somme Front.

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. 

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.

The Somme News - No. 6

Day thirty-nine of the Battle of the Somme and the British fighting at Guillemont continues. By the end of the day, the station and northern parts of the village have been captured but the southern end hasn't as of yet.

Renewed Allied attacks against Guillemont during day forty have sadly failed.

Day forty-one has unfortunately brought the rain again. Despite this, spirits are high as King George 5th visited the front earlier today, with Rawlinson showing His Majesty the craters at Bois Francais. Whilst on this visit, the King told Rawlinson of a Cabal back in England that is set to oust Haig as well as curbing the current offensive. The members of the cabal include Lord French, Winston Churchill and F.E. Smith. In other news, British soldiers have made progress north west of Pozieres.

Day forty-two has been a stormy day with no other events to report. Soldiers have spent the day writing to loved ones, as well as resting and preparing for tomorrow. 

Although raining, day forty-three has seen British soldiers advance a mile on the front north west of Pozieres.

Day forty-four of the battle has seen the 15th Division take Muster Alley.

Remember to check back on the 21st August for the latest news.

The Somme News - No. Two

Day 11 has seen a counter attack for Contalmaison held off by Allied soldiers, as fighting continues in both Trones and Mametz Woods.

More counter attacks for Contalmaison have been held off on this 12th day of the battle. Continued fighting has led to the complete recapture of Mametz Wood by Allied soldiers. Officials have been busy finalising plans for an attack, taking place at dawn on the 14th July.

The thirteenth day of the battle has seen soldiers resting and preparing for a rumoured attack at dawn due to take place tomorrow.

At 3.25am on the fourteenth day of the Battle of the Somme, British soldiers could be seen going over the top and attacking the German second line. Despite heavy bombardment, British soldiers have been able to capture Longueval and Bazentin Le Petit as well as the whole of Trones Wood. 
The Second Calvary have been sent in to battle, with their objective being the capture of High Wood. No news on this as of sundown.

News has filtered through on the fifteenth day of the battle that the Calvary have not been successful in capturing High Wood. The Battle for Delville has since begun.

The sixteenth day of the battle has seen the rain return. The British have spent the day consolidating their positions and are withdrawing from High Wood.

The seventeenth day and third week of the Battle of the Somme has seen Waterlot Farm, situated to the east of Longueval taken, whilst Ovillers has been completely cleared of German soldiers. The Battle of Bazentin Ridge has come to an end.

Join us on 24th July for the next update.  

The Somme News - No. One

As mentioned in the last post, the Battle of the Somme began on the 1st of July with Allied troops attacking a twenty five mile front, both north and south of the Somme. By the end of the first day, the British had been able to capture Montauban and Mametz, whilst the French had reached Hardecourt and Curlu. Reports soon filtered in that the British Army had lost a staggering 18,000 soldiers on the first day.

The second day of the battle has seen German soldiers surrendering at Fricourt - a further step towards victory for the Allied soldiers.

The third day of the Battle of the Somme, has seen rain falling and the ground underfoot becoming very wet. Despite this, La Boisselle & part of Ovillers have been captured by Allied soldiers.

The fourth day has seen more rainfall, making trench life harder to bear. Bernafay Wood was taken by Allied soldiers.

On what is now the fifth day of the battle, Horseshoe Trench has been won. It is reported that a large amount of German soldiers are assembling in Mametz Wood. The next few days are expected to be busy.

Our first setback of the battle so far has been encountered on the sixth day of the battle, with the planned attack on Trones Wood being delayed for twenty four hours. Rain is still falling and soldiers are now both soaking wet and tired.

The seventh day of the Battle of the Somme has seen the capture by Allied soldiers of Contalmaison and Leipzig Redoubt this morning. Heavy rainfall has been experienced all day, making basic things like walking much more difficult. By the evening, the German's have recaptured Contalmaison, meaning that the British Army are unable to get into Mametz Wood.

Despite even more rainfall, British soldiers have been able to penetrate Trones Wood on this eighth day of the battle.

On the ninth day of the battle, a large fire is reported to have broken out at Martinpuich. Fighting has also been continuing at Trones Wood.

The tenth day of the Battle of the Somme has seen the temperature sore to 48 degrees, making soldiers uniforms, already caked in mud, even more stiff and unbearable as the mud dries. Reports of lots of soldiers suffering dehydration is high. Soldiers are still heavily fighting for Mametz Wood.

Join us on the 17th July where the next update will be live.

The Somme News

Today marks the 100th anniversary since the Battle of the Somme began. It was to be a battle that would be remembered in history for years to come and would, to some, become the face of the war. Of all the other major battles that took place during the First World War, if you ask someone to name one, the Somme will be the most likely answer.

Over the course of what would have been the Battle of the Somme, The Somme News, will be reporting on what would have taken place each day and will publish this each week right here on this blog. You will hopefully be able to gain an insight into what was taking place when, as well as the conditions the soldiers were living in. 

The Battle of the Somme began this morning, on the 1st July 1916 at 7.30am local time. Allied forces began an attack on a twenty five mile front both North & South of the Somme. For the latest news, please join us on the 10th July where we will have an update.