100 years ago the British army suffered its worst day in history at the Battle of the Somme.
After an 8 day bombardment the newly formed divisions of the British army
(many of them were “friends” ) regiments went forward with full field pack and orders to walk slowly to their objective.
German machine gunners were waiting and inflicted 57,470 casualties of which nearly 20,000 died on the British and Commonwealth forces. The battle would go on for another four months with an official tally of 1 million killed, nearly half of them British. Something like 72,000 soldiers bodies were never identified.
Commemorations Here
The first day at the Somme is often considered the epitome of senselessness of war.
We need to return the the tradition of our “Leaders” leading the charge. Bastards! Every one of them!
We also have to ensure that these historical events are not forgotten – and that schoolchildren learn and recognize their importance. Sadly, I don’t think that’s going to happen.
As I remember from history the generals thought the Germans would be imtimidated by the sight of these brave British soldiers walking to their death under the German machine guns. I thought at the time I first read about this that a few generals should have faced the gallows for that crime.
i never knew what the old movies and brit dramas were referring to when they brought up the Somme. I had to look it up a few years back to find out what it was.
it was horrible.
Tony went over the top…https://youtu.be/ui0E5n_lviM
The frontal assault was asinine at that time of the revolution. Staying in trenches until your officers told you to march into high speed lead was no improvement.
Kate looks like hell. She should eat a burger.
@GoneWithTheWind: I remember reading somewhere that in WW1 the Brits (and others) were still under the delusion that if your heart was pure, your cause was just, and your determination to win was strong enough, you could prevail in battle, regardless of what you were up against.
Then they found out that German machine guns didn’t care about any of that sentimental claptrap.
The British lost an entire generation at the Battle of the Somme.