It's hard to believe that SWJED started this thread on the Somme's 90th - and that in 2-1/2 years we'll be looking at its 100th. This "battle", a series of operations spanning mid-1916 through early 1917, is best known for its first day of carnage; but there was much more to it. My interest has focused largely on individuals and smaller units; and on books which relate their stories in their own words. In that sense, the Somme's story cuts across all "levels" of warfare and exemplifies all levels of physical and moral courage.

I thought I'd start with an outline of the Somme campaign - as provided by Wiki. In this case, Wiki is not a bad starting point; one may find more in depth resources for any given phase by "Googling", etc.

Category: Battle of the Somme (Wiki)

Battle of the Somme (Wiki)

First Phase: 1–17 July 1916

First day on the Somme, 1 July

Battle of Albert, 1–13 July

Battle of Bazentin Ridge, 14–17 July

Battle of Fromelles, 19–20 July

Second phase: July – September 1916

Battle of Delville Wood, 14 July – 15 September

Battle of Pozières Ridge, 23 July – 7 August

Battle of Guillemont, 3–6 September

Battle of Ginchy, 9 September

Third phase: September – November 1916

Battle of Flers–Courcelette, 15–22 September

Battle of Morval, 25–28 September

Battle of the Transloy Ridges, 1 October – 11 November

Battle of Thiepval Ridge, 26–28 September

Battle of the Ancre Heights, 1 October – 11 November

Battle of the Ancre, 13–18 November

Subsequent operations in Early 1917

Ancre, January – March 1917

Hindenburg Line
One can go in many directions from here; hopefully, others will be interested enough to chime in with their own viewpoints (and references).

In the next posts, I'll outline some filmography of the Somme.

Regards

Mike