[Misc] The Battle of the Somme started 102 years ago today.

[El Presidente]

Three million of our great-grandfathers fought and over a million were killed and injured so that we can be free in the bloodiest of battles where once again politicians failed their countries and sent young men to their death as a result.

We owe those who fought a huge debt.

 

[AmexRuislip]

It seems not that long ago, given all the celebrations and commemorations that have been taking place over the years.
Thanks for posting

 

[Weststander]

Two of my great or great-great uncles, brothers, lost their lives at The Somme.

Incredible to think when I was born in the 60’s, this mechanised mass slaughter of millions had occurred just miles from these shores a few decades before.

Brave men who were forced to the front, and endured a living hell.

 

[daveinprague]

Not sure the war was to keep us free particularly, but you have to have to respect the fallen in this tragedy. Entire communities were left grieving, particularly with the 'Pals' Battalions. The cemetaries are heartbreaking. Children of 15-16 are well represented in them. Have been there several times over the years, and it still has an impact on your emotions. The amount of ordinance you see piled up on the roadsides, and what you can see in the fields and counryside is staggaring. We alone fired a million 'duds; in the week long artillery barrage. They also have no idea where one of the big mines is located that didnt go off. They have found them all apart from one. One went off in the 50s or 60s killing some picknickers.. Hopefully, they have not built a housing estate over the one they havnt found yet.

 

[Diablo]

We will remember them.

As of course we must for all of our brave soldiers killed in all wars.

 

[portslade seagull]

The madness of war, never solves anything. Been to numerous cemeteries when out golfing. The scale of death and especially the young ages makes you think

 

[The Antikythera Mechanism]

My great uncle Fred was killed on 10 November 1918, aged 18. What shit luck was that?

 

[Seagull's Return]

Worth remembering that yesterday was 102 years since "The Day Sussex Died", too: RIP Lowther's Lambs.


Whatever you think about what that **** Gove glibly paints as the 'Blackadder' interpretation of WW1 (and despite his careerist drivel there are differing informed views on that) the Somme was a needless tragedy of truly epic proportions. What a waste.

 

[TheJasperCo]

Here in Exeter there is an incredibly moving exhibit, where a local artist has created little mannequins, each one individually-wrapped in a shroud. It's designed to reflect the 70,000+ British soldiers who lost their lives in that battle, but who also have no known grave. So powerful, and it's accompanied by murals on which are inscribed the names of each of these servicemen who lost their lives but whose remains have never been found or identified.

https://shroudsofthesomme.com/

 

[Bry Nylon]

Been to numerous cemeteries when out golfing.

Maybe try a one iron off the tee instead of a driver.

 

[portlock seagull]

Worth remembering that yesterday was 102 years since "The Day Sussex Died", too: RIP Lowther's Lambs.
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Whatever you think about what that **** Gove glibly paints as the 'Blackadder' interpretation of WW1 (and despite his careerist drivel there are differing informed views on that) the Somme was a needless tragedy of truly epic proportions. What a waste.

Needless is too simplistic and probably wrong word albeit I know what you’re trying to convey. We had to hit Germany hard, reduce pressure further east etc. A Centuary on I still don’t see how else the Generals on either side could have fought the war any differently. Or they would have.

 

[Seagull's Return]

We probably agree more than we disagree on this: I think what I meant was that, particularly in human terms, the Somme was needlessly wasteful. The necessity of a British offensive to support the French at this time is compelling, and I doubt that could have been achieved without heavy casualties even if it had been better done.

 

[Wardy's twin]

Honestly cannot understand the mentality of the soldiers who put up with the slaughter nor generals who treated men as expendable. Yes there will always be casualties but throwing men against impenetrable defences to their certain death was mass murder.

 

[LlcoolJ]

A totally horrific war. Great that the horrors of it are taught to primary school children and that, despite the passing of time, we all still try to understand the unimaginable loss of life and the hell that those men experienced.

And Gove can go **** himself, the prick.

 

[Mo Gosfield]

A totally horrific war. Great that the horrors of it are taught to primary school children and that, despite the passing of time, we all still try to understand the unimaginable loss of life and the hell that those men experienced.

And Gove can go **** himself, the prick.

Imagine that slimey creature trying to lead men into battle! They would all push him over the top first!

 

[portslade seagull]

Imagine that slimey creature trying to lead men into battle! They would all push him over the top first!

He would be the one with the pistol at the back shooting those that didn't go over