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

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.