Battle of the Somme, World War I battle in northern France
The Battle of the Somme was a large land battle of World War I fought along the Somme river in northern France, from July to November 1916. It involved forces from Britain, France, and across the British Empire on one side, and the German army on the other.
The offensive was launched by the Allies to relieve pressure on Verdun and break through German lines. By the end, the front had barely moved despite months of fighting and enormous losses on both sides.
July 1 is a day of remembrance for Britain and Commonwealth nations, as it marks the opening and deadliest day of the battle. Each year, ceremonies take place at memorials across the region, drawing people from many countries.
The battlefield today is an open landscape in Picardy, dotted with memorials, military cemeteries, and preserved trenches. Renting a car makes it easier to cover the scattered sites, as the distances between them are considerable.
On the first day of fighting, July 1, 1916, the British army suffered over 57,000 casualties, the worst single day in its entire history. Tanks appeared on a battlefield for the first time later that September, though they were still unreliable and broke down often.
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