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.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.

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.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. 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. 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.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. 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

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.