The Somme

The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of World War I, fought between July and November 1916 in northern France. It involved British and French forces against the German Army. Designed to relieve pressure on the French at Verdun, it is known for its staggering loss of life, with over one million soldiers wounded or killed. The first day of the battle remains the bloodiest in British military history. The Somme introduced new tactics and technologies, including the use of tanks, but also highlighted the horrors of trench warfare and the challenges of gaining ground in such conditions.