The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of World War I, fought by the armies of the British Empire, France, and their allies against the German Empire along the Somme River in France. Here are some key details:
Background
- The battle was part of an Allied offensive strategy to relieve the pressure on Verdun, where the French were suffering heavy losses.
- It was planned by General Sir Douglas Haig and French General Joseph Joffre as a major offensive to break through the German lines.
Start Date and Duration
- The offensive began on July 1, 1916, and lasted until November 18, 1916, making it one of the longest battles of the war.
Major Phases
- First Day: July 1, 1916, saw the worst single day for the British Army in terms of casualties, with nearly 60,000 casualties, including 19,240 deaths.
- July to August: After the initial assault, the battle evolved into a series of attritional engagements with heavy use of artillery and small unit tactics.
- September to November: The Battle of Flers-Courcelette marked the first use of tanks in warfare. The British and French made incremental gains but at a high cost.
Strategic Objectives
- The primary goal was to break through the German lines, pushing the Germans back, and relieve pressure on Verdun.
- It was also intended to wear down the German forces through attrition, reducing their ability to continue fighting on other fronts.
Outcome
- The battle resulted in enormous casualties on both sides, with estimates of around 623,907 Allied and 465,000 German casualties.
- Despite the heavy losses, the Allies advanced only about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles).
- The offensive failed to achieve its strategic objectives; however, it did divert German resources from Verdun.
Impact
- The battle had a profound impact on public opinion, with significant media coverage leading to increased war weariness among the civilian populations.
- The use of tanks, although not decisive, marked the beginning of mechanized warfare.
- The battle's failure led to a reassessment of tactics and strategies by the Allies, contributing to changes in military leadership.
Memorials and Remembrance
Sources
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