Battle of the Somme: First Day - July 1, 1916

Background

• Year: 1915
• Situation: Britain unable to launch major attacks until 1916.
• British Volunteer Armies: Eager to enter battle.

Objectives

• Main Aim: Attack north of the River Somme to break through German lines.
• Strategy: Exploit gap with cavalry.
• Collaboration: Joint Anglo-French effort.

Challenges

• French Army Withdrawals: Many French troops were reassigned to Verdun, weakening available forces.

Military Leadership

• General Douglas Haig: Commanded 750,000 men.
• General Henry Rawlinson: Led the main attack with the Fourth Army.
• General Edmund Allenby: Supported operations with the Third Army.

British Army Preparations

• Morale: High, especially among new recruits.
• Bombardment: 8-day British bombardment intended to destroy German defenses.

The Attack - July 1, 1916

• Time: Began at 7:30 AM.
• Initial Movement: British soldiers crossed "No Man's Land."
• Immediate Challenges: Faced machine gun fire and explosive shells.

Reasons for Failure

• Inadequate Bombardment:
  • Lack of artillery and weak shells failed to destroy barbed wire.
  • Did not penetrate enemy trenches.
• Time Lag:
  • Delay between bombardment and attack allowed Germans to re-man positions.
• Lack of Alternative Plans:
  • Haig had no alternative due to lack of confidence in the new troops.
• Communication Issues:
  • Outdated intel due to communication delays.

Aftermath

• Casualties:
  • British suffered 58,000 casualties (one-third killed).
• Historical Impact:
  • July 1, 1916, marked as the worst day in British army history.

For further information, see "Simple History: World War I" available on Amazon.