The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, was a battle of the First World War fought by the armies of the French and British Empires against the German Empire. It took place between 1 July and 18 November 1916 on both sides of the upper reaches of the River Somme in France.
The battle was intended to hasten a victory for the Allies and was the largest battle of the First World War on the Western Front. More than one million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history.
It was in this battle that tanks were introduced for the first time. These first tanks, which totaled 50, reached the Somme in September. Mechanical and other failures reduce the original number of participating tanks to 24, these early tanks proved unwieldy and highly unreliable.
Poppies were one of the few plants to grow on the battlefield. According to legend, Ghengis Khan brought the first white poppy from China and it turned red after battle. Today poppies are a symbol of remembrance.
Your tour will include:
Historical museum visit in Peronne
DenvonshireCemetery -an original battlefield cemetery with an emotional tie as all these men died the same day. War poet William Noel Hodgson wrote a pre-destined poem 2 days before the battle, he also lies here.
Lochnagar Crater –A spectacular vestige of the battle of the Somme. Here began the worse day for the British Army to this date. This crater was exploded on the 1st of July 1916 and the intended battle which was to last just a few days dragged over 4 months, swallowing over a million losses on both sides.
Thiepval Memorial to the Missing – Largest memorial to the missing in the world maintained by the CWGC. A significant site for all British & South Africans for their losses endured in the Somme.
Newfoundland Memorial Park –A rare spot where both British and German frontline trenches are still visible and naturally preserved. No man’s land still scarred by the bloody battle which cost many lives, especially to the Newfoundland Regiment.