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. 

Remembrance 1916 - 2016

Welcome back to A Wartime Life blog. This year for remembrance, I decided that unlike in previous years, I would not post anything until after remembrance weekend, so that I could have my own time to reflect and remember. After all, there are so many other programmes and news pieces, telling the stories of brave men, you didn't need another post. Rather than list the number of casualties for the year, which lets face it, with the Somme drawing to a close 100 years ago, was such a high number, I thought I would just share with you some images that bring home why we remember. 

I was lucky enough to be able to attend in intimate gathering for a remembrance ceremony and I hope you were able to reflect too. These images above certainly make me think, analysing how I tread through life and have it relatively easy compared to some.

The Somme News - No.12

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.

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.   

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.

The Somme News - No.8

Day fifty-three of the Battle of the Somme has seen two very determined counter-attacks led by German soldiers south of Thiepval beaten off. Whilst this was taking place, Henry Rawlinson received a visit from Douglas Haig, who paid a visit to chide Henry about Guillemont still not being in British hands this far into the battle.

Day fifty-four of the battle and fighting is continuing in the south of Thiepval, whilst strong German attacks at Guillemont have been fought off. Henry Rawlinson has also just received the news that twelve of the news weapons called tanks have arrived and will soon commence in battle.

Day fifty-five has been a busy day. Further progress has been made by the British soldiers towards Thiepval and to the north-west part of Delville wood, whilst numerous German attacks to the west of Ginchy have been driven off.

Day fifty-six of the Battle of the Somme has, despite constant heavy rain, seen a German attack situated at the south of Thiepval repulsed. I am pleased to report that the enemy has also been driven out of Delville Wood and a line has been established along the north east edge.

Day fifty-seven and the rain just keeps falling. The German soldiers have yet again launched a counter-attack near Thiepval, they are certainly determined. Henry Rawlinson has also spent the day watching the new tanks in training and remarked to a colleague that whilst he was impressed with them, he thought that their crews needed much more training for battle conditions to make them ready.  

Day fifty-eight of the battle, soldiers are uncomfortably soaked and are extremely tired after the numerous counter-attacks of the past week that have been launched by the German's. We received the news today that Italy has declared war on Germany, but that won't make much difference to the soldiers here in the trenches, especially the Third Brigade who have just launched an attack at Grevillers.

As week number eight and day fifty-nine draws to a close I am to report that due to the considerable rainfall of the previous few days, the conditions here in the trenches are getting worse, with some trenches reportedly being ankle deep in water. In other news, Launcelot Kiggell has paid a visit to Henry Rawlinson today, where they have spent their time discussing the best way to use the tanks in battle. 

Remember to check back on the 4th September for the latest news. 

The Somme News - No. 7

Day forty-five of the battle has seen no action. The day has been showery and the soldiers in the trenches are both wet and tired.

Day forty-six of the battle has seen nothing to report of fighting. The King said farewell to those he had met on his visit before returning to Britain. Heavy rainfall during the evening which is carrying on into the night could make conditions more difficult tomorrow.

The forty-seventh day of the Battle of the Somme has seen another day of rain. Despite this, British soldiers have been able to advance west and south west of Guillemont. On a flying mission all by himself in his Nieuport Scout, pilot Albert Ball  took on five hostile aeroplanes.

Day forty-eight has seen a showery day without action. Soldiers have been able to write home, as well as get some rest. Thoughts are now turning to how much longer both the battle and the war are going to go on for and whether it will be finished before the cold winter weather arrives. 

On this forty-ninth day of the battle we have seen even more rain. On the plus side ground has been gained by British soldiers towards Ginchy and Guillemont. News that an enemy aircraft has crashed near High Wood is also filtering through.

Day fifty of the Battle of the Somme has not only seen more rain, it has also seen British soldiers gaining ground in the Thiepval area.

Day fifty-one of the battle has arrived and German soldiers are currently staging a counter-attack near Thiepval.

Day fifty-two and eight weeks since the Battle of the Somme began, progress is being made by Allied soldiers north west of Pozieres whilst German soldiers are continuing with their counter-attack near Thiepval.

Remember to check back on the 28th August for the latest news. 

The Somme News - No.5

The hottest day of the battle so far is on day thirty-two with a temperature of 61 degrees. regardless of this, a German counter-attack north of Bazentin Le Petit was repulsed. At the same time, heavy fighting is being reported at Verdun.

Day thirty-three has seen more heavy fighting at Verdun. Another German attack at Delville Wood was repulsed again.

I'm pleased to report that on day thirty-four of the Battle of the Somme, British soldiers have gained ground west of Pozieres. French troops have also progressed at Verdun.

More good news on day thirty-five of the battle, Allied soldiers have gained the German Second Line system, a front just 2,000 yards to the north of Pozieres. A German counter-attack at Verdun has been repulsed.

Day thirty-six and I'm pleased to report that the British have advanced their line near Pozieres. meanwhile, Haig has visited Rawlinson and has stated how pleased he was at the Australian success near Pozieres, which included the taking of objectives as well as the capture of several hundreds of prisioners.

Day thirty-seven has seen slight Allied progress to the eat of Pozieres towards Martinpuich.

French soldiers have progressed at Verdun, thirty-eight days after the battle began, whilst British soldiers have concentrated their attack on the outskirts of Guillemont. German attacks to the north & north east of Pozieres have meanwhile been repulsed.

Remember to check back here on the 14th August for the latest news.

The Somme News - No. Four

It has been decided, on the twenty-fifth day of the Battle of the Somme, that the attacks against High Wood are to end. German soldiers have started a counter-attack in the Longueval and Bazentin areas. Reports suggest that Pozieres is almost entirely in Allied hands. The British soldiers are beginning to push along the Albert-Bapaume road. Meanwhile, Rawlinson has visited Fricourt and on his return described it as a series of craters.

On the twenty-sixth day of the battle, I am pleased to report that the whole of Pozieres village is completely in Allied hands. 

Twenty-seven days after the Battle of the Somme, further British attacks have led to the Allies gaining more land at Delville Wood, despite it raining again. Meanwhile, fighting is continuing near Pozieres and Longueval.

Not only has the twenty-eighth day of the battle been an extremely hot day, with a temperature of 59 degrees, but the British have captured Longueval and Delville Wood. Further advances have been made near Pozieres.

Reports are coming through stating that German attempts to retake Delville Wood have failed, whilst Australian attemps to take the windmill near Pozieres have also failed. However, twenty-nine days after the battle began, Muster Alley is still in contention. 

I am pleased to report on the thirtieth day of the battle, British soldiers are making progress east of Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood. A German attack against Guillemont has failed again, whilst a large explosion has been reported at Martinpuich.

Not much to report for day thirty-one of the battle. Temperatures are still reaching 59 degrees and the fight is still ongoing for Guillemont.  

Remember to come back on the 7th August for the latest news.

The Somme News - No. Three

An attack has taken place on this eighteenth day of the Battle of the Somme at Fromelles, which is situated to the north of the Somme battlefield. German soldiers have been making strong counter-attacks at Longueval and Delville Wood all day. Drizzle has been falling all afternoon and soldiers are reportedly feeling exhausted after three weeks of constant fighting.

The nineteenth day of the battle has seen German soldiers attack Longueval, Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood. Fighting in Delville Wood is continuing. 

Whilst the attacks by the enemy on Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood were repulsed yesterday, the twentieth day of the battle has seen the fighting continue at both Longueval and Delville Wood. 

Reports of fighting at High Wood are filtering through on this twenty-first day of the battle. Haig has also made a visit to Rawlinson, in a bid to make clear how important the need to capture the village of Guillemont is.

Violent fighting on the Pozieres to Guillemont front can be heard on what is now the twenty-second day of the Battle of the Somme. Aerial reconnaissance missions have brought the news that a new German trench line has been dug in front of the switch line to the north west of High Wood.

The second phrase of the Somme battle has begun twenty-three days in, with fierce fighting in and around the village of Pozieres. The British recaptured the whole of Longueval earlier today, but reports are coming in this evening that the northern part of the village has been recaptured by German soldiers.

The twenty-fourth day of the battle has seen fighting continue at Pozieres as well as a German counter attack at both High Wood and Guillemont, despite the high temperature of 55 degrees. 

Remember to check back on the 31st July for the latest news.