jun 24, 1916 - The Somme Begins

Description:

In an effort to draw German troops away from Verdun, the Allies mount a major offensive that opens with a large-scale artillery barrage that lasts five days. In one day, as German machine gunners rake the advancing troops, 20,000 British are killed and 40,000 more wounded. The devastating Battle of the Somme will continue through the summer and end in November. The British gain is a modest six miles. The casualty count is horrific: 419,000 British, 194,000 French and 650,000 Germans.