Background Information
The Battle of the Somme was fought from July to November of 1916. It was one of the most significant campaigns of World War One, as it was another doomed attempt at breaking the stalemate on the Western Front. The main reason for the battle of the Somme was to take pressure off the French army, which had been under heavy attack at Verdun since February, and was close to cracking. It was hoped that a major British offensive on the Somme would force the Germans to withdraw troops from Verdun. Another reason was that 'Kitchener's Army' the millions of volunteers that had enlisted in 1914, and in the summer of 1916 they were fully equipped, trained, and organized, so Haig wanted to make use of these soldiers in their first major battle.
The Germans had weeks of forewarning of this battle. They overheard field telephone messages, they were aware of the movements of British reconnaissance aircraft, and the German pilots also observed the movements of the allied forces. As a result of this the German forces were very well prepared and were alerted of the British whereabouts by their own mistakes and mishaps.
The Germans had weeks of forewarning of this battle. They overheard field telephone messages, they were aware of the movements of British reconnaissance aircraft, and the German pilots also observed the movements of the allied forces. As a result of this the German forces were very well prepared and were alerted of the British whereabouts by their own mistakes and mishaps.
Aims Of The Battle
The British plan was coordinated by General Sir Douglas Haig, was to launch a major attack on German lines in the Somme River valley. The assault would begin with an intense artillery bombardment of German defences. After this, a wave of 1.2 million soldiers would advance in wave formations along a 40km front. The aim of this was to cut the Germans off from behind and make them so demoralised that they would have to surrender.