Battle of the Somme
WarWorld War I
Year1916
LocationFrance
BelligerentsBritain/France vs Germany
About the Battle
The first day remains the bloodiest in British military history, with 57,470 casualties including 19,240 killed. Over 1 million total casualties for minimal territorial gain. Tanks were used for the first time. The bombardment before the attack could be heard in London. Many shells were duds, failing to cut the German wire.
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