What is an interesting fact about the Battle of Somme?
The Battle of the Somme was the first battle in WW1 to use tanks, with varied results, many broke down and when working were only able to go at a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour. The furthest advance of any allied force during the battle was just 5 miles.
Why was the Battle of Somme 1916 important?
The Battle of the Somme, which took place from July to November 1916, began as an Allied offensive against German forces on the Western Front and turned into one of the most bitter and costly battles of World War I.
What happened in the Battle of Somme 1916?
Battle of the Somme, (July 1–Nov. 13, 1916) Allied offensive in World War I. British and French forces launched a frontal attack against an entrenched German army north of the Somme River in France. A weeklong artillery bombardment was followed by a British infantry assault on the still-impregnable German positions.
How many died at battle of Somme?
300,000
Casualties topped 1 million, including the deaths of more than 300,000. British troops sustained 420,000 casualties—including 125,000 deaths—during the Battle of the Somme. The casualties also included 200,000 French troops and 500,000 German soldiers.
How many died in battle of Somme?
Did the Battle of the Somme achieve anything?
This massive offensive in northern France resulted in well over a million British, French and German casualties. Almost 20,000 British troops were killed on the opening day, the bloodiest 24 hours in British military history.
How many soldiers died in battle of Somme?
How long did the battle of Somme last?
five months
The Battle of the Somme lasted nearly five months The offensive began on 1 July 1916 after a week-long artillery bombardment of the German lines. Advancing British troops found that the German defences had not been destroyed as expected and many units suffered very high casualties with little progress.