Battle of the Somme

A History from Beginning to End (World War 1)

By: Hourly History

Narrated by: Matthew J. Chandler-Smith

Known as one of the deadliest battles in history with its over one million casualties, the Battle of the Somme in 1916 is regarded by many as the ultimate war of attrition. Intended to bring about a swift end to the First World War, the British planned a grueling five-day bombardment of German forces, only to be thwarted at seemingly every turn. Bad weather, poor communication, inferior planning, hubris, and even betrayal led to the Battle of the Somme lasting longer than anyone had anticipated. For many, the Battle of the Somme, despite including one of the biggest bombardments ever carried out and the first-ever use of tanks on the battlefield, remains a potent symbol of the soul-crushing futility of war.

In this book, you will hear the astonishing story of that battle, a battle that should never be forgotten, one whose repercussions reverberated around the world due to the devastating loss of life in brigades sent to the Somme from many countries, including Great Britain, France, Germany, Ireland, Australia, Canada, India, and South Africa.

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