The Battle of the Somme

• When did the Battle of the Somme start?

  July 1916 - November 1916
• Where was the Battle of the Somme?

  River Somme, France
• What was the Battle of the Somme?

  British and French offensive against the Germans, the largest battle on the Western Front
• What was the plan for the Battle of the Somme?

  Under the command of General Haig, the British planned to launch a huge attack on the Germans to relieve pressure on France (Verdun)
• What did General Haig know about the Battle of the Somme?


  It would have a lot of casualities
• How did the Battle of the Somme start?

  An artillery bombardment on German trenches
• What happened after the artillery bombardment on German trenches?

  Germans were aware of the coming attack, and so moved their troops into bunkers behind the front line
• What happened after the German's preparations?

  Germans were at full strength; ready for the attack
• What happened on the 1st of July?

  • First wave of British soldiers attacked Germany, however were met with Machine Guns
  • 60,000 causalities - 20,000 dead
• What was the result of the Battle of the Somme?

  • 620,000 British casualties
  • 500,000 German deaths
  • 25km x 6km land gain to the British and French
  • Haig known as "The Butcher of the Somme"