Overview
This lecture covers the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916, focusing on British strategies, outcomes, and reasons for failure.
Background to the Battle
- In 1915, Britain did not launch major attacks, but planned to change this in 1916.
- The British army consisted mainly of new volunteer recruits eager for battle.
- The main objective was to break through German lines north of the River Somme and exploit the gap using cavalry.
- The planned offensive was a joint Anglo-French operation; however, French troops were diverted to Verdun.
Battle Plans and Leadership
- General Douglas Haig oversaw the overall British plan, deploying 750,000 men.
- General Henry Rawlinson led the main Fourth Army attack, with General Edmund Allenby's Third Army in support.
- British morale was high, especially among new recruits.
The Attack on July 1st, 1916
- The attack was preceded by an eight-day British artillery bombardment meant to destroy German defenses.
- The assault began at 7:30 am, with soldiers advancing across no man's land.
- British troops encountered machine gun fire, explosive shells, barbed wire, and heavily defended trenches.
- In the south, General Fayolle and the French Sixth Army had more success.
Outcomes and Casualties
- The British army suffered approximately 58,000 casualties on the first day, with one-third killed.
- The day is considered the worst in British army history.
Reasons for Failure
- The bombardment was ineffective due to insufficient artillery and weak shells.
- Barbed wire and German trench defenses remained largely intact.
- Delays between bombardment and attack allowed Germans to regroup.
- Haig's lack of alternative plans stemmed from doubts about inexperienced troops.
- Poor communications resulted in outdated information reaching commanders.
Key Terms & Definitions
- No man's land — The area between opposing trenches where battles occurred.
- Artillery bombardment — Heavy shelling intended to destroy enemy defenses.
- Casualty — Soldiers killed, wounded, or missing in action.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review details on the subsequent days of the Battle of the Somme.
- Study reasons for failures in trench warfare.
- Prepare for a quiz on World War I battles.