WF: TRENCHES ON THE WESTERN FRONT - The Battle of the Somme 1916 - 1 st day of battle, 60,000 casualties and 20,000 died, In total, 400,000 Allied casualties and this put pressure on medical services on the Western Front, The extensive and prolonged conflict, which lasted from July 1 to November 18, 1916, resulted in a staggering number of casualties, making it one of the most devastating engagements for British forces during the war