Battle of the Somme
History: KS3, topic 16.3.4
Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme (July - November 1916 AD) was the most famous battle of the First World War.
Background
- The Battle of the Somme was fought to help the French troops in Verdun.
- It was intended to speed up a victory for the Allies.
Artillery bombardment
- The battle began with the heaviest artillery bombardment of the war.
- The Allies planned for seven days of continuous artillery bombardment.
- They thought that the lengthy bombardment would destroy any German barbed wire defences and kill Germans in the trenches.
Day one
- 1 July 1916 AD: The Allies sent 100,000 men to attack German lines.
- The allied soldiers had to cross hundreds of metres of no man’s land.
- In some places, British soldiers did reach the German trenches but many were shot down by German machine guns.
Casualties
- By the end of the first day, Britain had suffered 57,000 casualties in a single day.
- Progress was very slow, and by 4 July 1916 AD Britain had suffered a further 25,000 casualties.
- By the end of August, Germany had suffered almost 250,000 casualties.
Support
- Britain was supported by its Empire.
- Troops from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand all contributed to the war effort.
- 15 September 1916 Ad: Britain used the tank for the first time.
- Eventually, the British gained Morval and Thiepval Ridge.
Test yourself on Battle of the Somme
Battle of the Somme
Which of these countries did NOT fight with Britain during the Battle of the Somme?
What happened on 15 September 1916?