The BATTLES of the SOMME.

Our speaker was Dr Spencer Jones of Wolverhampton University. He pointed out that the battles lasted over three months. The allies planned to break through the German lines simultaneously on the Somme. At the same time, Germany had decided to create a “bloodmill” at the French Verdun fortress: their attack in February 1916 surprised the allies forcing the relocation of French troops, and leaving the British facing the Germans.

The first day was a disaster with 60,000 British casualties. Dr Jones showed with heartbreaking clarity how Generals Haig and Gough failed to realise how well the Germans were defended and that their variable bombardment allowed the Germans time to repair their dugouts. The British were inexperienced soldiers, the Germans not so and also had effectively placed their snipers. Also the huge British mine exploded before the attack forewarned the Germans.

“ Who had won?” Whilst both sides had suffered heavily, German morale was low.The Somme had turned the tide of the war ,at an astronomical cost.

Our new programme commences 16 September 7 30 St Laurence’s church hall: “Local Church scandals and quarrels in Wixford and Bidford 1660-1720 with Dr Maureen Harris.

CHRISTOPHER SMITH