Facts About the Somme

In response to a heavy German attack on French troops at Verdun, the British military launched an attack at the Somme in an effort to break through 20 miles of lines. Although the battle was meant to only take a few days, the conflict became one of the largest battles of World War I.

Tank used in the Somme

Features

The attack on the Somme featured a heavy artillery bombardment designed to destroy German entrenchments. This was to be followed on July 1, 1916, by a troop attack across No Man's Land.

Defense

German trenches at the Somme were secured up to 32 feet below ground. This enabled the German soldiers to man machine guns to open fire on approaching British troops.

Time Frame

According to estimates at the time, 20,000 British troops were killed, and 40,000 were captured or wounded on the first day of fighting. The battle continued, ending as a stalemate on November 18.

Size

The order of battle for the Somme began with 24 Allied and 10 German divisions. By November, 100 Allied and 50 German divisions had taken part in combat.

Significance

Totals for the conflict were among the highest in human history, with 620,000 Allied soldiers and 450,000 German soldiers killed, wounded or captured.

References

• History Man: The Battle of the Somme
• National Army Museum: 90th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme
• History Learning Site: The Somme

Resources

• First World War.com