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ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Battle of the Somme trench map. Ordnance Survey map showing a section of the front on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, France, with the German trenches shown in red. The British trenches were not added in case the maps fell into enemy hands. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of the First World War, fought between the British and French against the German army. It took place between 1st July and 18th november 1916 on both sides of the River Somme, France. This particular map was prepared for the 1st July offensive, for the section or platoon commanders in 30th Division battalions on the extreme right of the British attack. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/BRITISH LIBRARY / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Battle of the Somme. Newspaper cutting reporting on the Battle of the Somme. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of the First World War, fought between the British and French against the German army. It took place between 1st July and 18th november 1916 on both sides of the River Somme, France. From 'The Times', 3rd July 1916. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/BRITISH LIBRARY / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Raymond Poincare, President of the French Republic, and Marshal Joseph Jacques Cesaire Joffre visiting the front during the Battle of the Somme, 1916 (KEYSTONE/Everett Collection/)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows German medics carrying for wounded soldiers on the front during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows a German machine gun unit during the Battle of the Somme 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows German soldiers loading munition from a cart onto a train to be transported to the front during the battle of the Somme, 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows a German dispatch runner during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows wounded African soldiers in the French Army after being captured prisoner by German troops in a German hospital during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows wounded English soldiers after they were taking prisoner by the German troops during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows a German field kitchen in a village destroyed during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows German soldiers in a trench during the Battle of the Somme, 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows a German fighter pilot with a machine gun during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows a paratrooper landing after jumping out of a plane during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows English soldiers in the trenches with a mirror attached to a bayonet observing enemy positions during the Battle of the Somme 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The contemporary colorized German propaganda photo shows the take off of a German moored balloon for field reconnaissance at the Battle of the Somme 1916. Photo: Neumann Archive - NO WIRE SERVICE (KEYSTONE/DPA/Archiv Neumann)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

WORLD WAR I: ARMORED CARS. .Canadian troops cleaning their guns and armored cars after a successful battle on the Somme front during World War I. Photograph, 1914-1918. (KEYSTONE/THE GRANGER COLLECTION/)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

WORLD WAR I: SOMME, C1916. .Destroyed church in the Somme district, France. Photograph, c1916. (KEYSTONE/THE GRANGER COLLECTION/)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

WORLD WAR I: FRISE CHURCH. .Church in the French village of Frise formally used as a fort by German troops, France. Photograph, c1916. (KEYSTONE/THE GRANGER COLLECTION/)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

WORLD WAR I: TRENCH DIGGING. .Sappers digging communication trenches amid artillery fire on the Somme Front during World War I. Photograph, c1916. (KEYSTONE/THE GRANGER COLLECTION/)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

WORLD WAR I: SOMME. .Allied troops climbing out of their trench for an advance during a battle on the Somme, France. Photograph, 1916 or 1918. (KEYSTONE/THE GRANGER COLLECTION/)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

WORLD WAR I: AERIAL PHOTO. .View of Soyecourt, a village on the Somme, photographed by a French military airplane during World War I, 1914-1918. (KEYSTONE/THE GRANGER COLLECTION/)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Working party about to start off in the rain wearing waterproof sheets and trench waders, November 1916. Working parties performed a number of important duties at the Front. One of the most unenviable tasks they had to carry out was venturing into no-man's-land during the hours of darkness to lay and repair barbed wire entanglements. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

A once strong German position of the Somme after it's bombardment and capture by the French, 1916. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Ration wagons on the muddy road to Montauban, November 1916. Field kitchen is a mobile kitchen, mobile canteens or food truck used primarily by military services to provide warm food to the troops near the frontline or in temporary encampments. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

British armored cars set out on a reconnaissance mission in the Somme region. With the fighting leaving the trenches mobility became more and more essential. Austin Armored Car was a British armored car produced during WWI. The vehicle, known as Austin 1st series, was based on a passenger car chassis with rear axle drive. Wheels were wooden, spoked, with pneumatic tires and an additional set of wheels with full rubber tires for use in combat was carried. Two Maxim machine guns were mounted in separate turrets placed on both sides of the hull behind the driver's cab. The vehicle was protected by armor plates 3.5-4 mm thick screwed to a body frame. The crew of four (commander, driver and two gunners) could enter or leave the vehicle by a door on the left side of the cab or by the big two leaf rear door. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

British troops receive rations from field kitsch, October 1916. Hot food was a morale booster in the cold, muddy, wet conditions of the Somme campaign. Field kitchen is a mobile kitchen, mobile canteens or food truck used primarily by military services to provide warm food to the troops near the frontline or in temporary encampments. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The Battle of Thiepval Ridge was an offensive mounted by the Reserve Army of Lieutenant General Hubert Gough during the Battle of the Somme and was intended to benefit from the Fourth Army attack at Morval by starting 24 hours afterwards. The British experimented with new techniques in gas warfare, machine gun bombardment and tank-infantry co-operation. The German defenders fought with great determination, while the British coordination of infantry and artillery declined after the first day, due to the confused nature of the fighting in the mazes of trenches, dugouts and shell craters. September became the month most costly in casualties for the German armies on the Somme. The Battle of Thiepval Ridge and one of the twelve battles of the Somme. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The Battle of Thiepval Ridge was an offensive mounted by the Reserve Army of Lieutenant General Hubert Gough during the Battle of the Somme and was intended to benefit from the Fourth Army attack at Morval by starting 24 hours afterwards. Thiepval Ridge was well fortified and the German defenders fought with great determination, while the British coordination of infantry and artillery declined after the first day, due to the confused nature of the fighting in the mazes of trenches, dugouts and shell-craters. The final British objectives were not reached until a reorganization of the Reserve Army and the Battle of the Ancre Heights. The Battle of Thiepval Ridge and one of the twelve battles of the Somme. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The attack was preceded by an eight day artillery bombardment, in which 1537 British guns fired 1,723,873 rounds. The aim of the bombardment was to kill the German soldiers and reduce them to shell-shocked chaos, and to destroy the German barbed wire. But the artillery failed. The shells were not powerful enough to break down into the German dugouts, and the shrapnel shells, which consisted merely of cases filled with ball-bearings, did not destroy any of the wire, but simply made it more tangled and impassable. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Caption: "German troops snatch some rest in a trench. They are wearing the 'coal scuttle' pattern of steel helmet introduced in early 1916 and the wartime issue M. 1915 tunic." The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Caption: "Men of 1st Lancashire Fusiliers are addressed by Major General de Lisle, commander of the 29th Division, on the day before battle." The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 - November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. The British 29th Division, known as the Incomparable Division, was a WWI regular army infantry division formed in early 1915. The division fought throughout the Battle of Gallipoli, including the original landing at Cape Helles. From 1916 to the end of the war the division fought on the Western Front in France. The number of Victoria Crosses won by members of this division was 27 (12 at Gallipoli). (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Caption: "Wounded British soldiers and German prisoners heading to the rear during the Battle of the Somme, 1916." The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Tank ploughing its way through a trench and starting toward the German line, during World War I, near Saint Michel, France, circa 1918. Tanks in World War I were developed separately and simultaneously by Great Britain and France as a means to break the deadlock of trench warfare on the Western Front. Their first use in combat was by the British Army on September 15, 1916 at Flers-Courcelette, during the Battle of the Somme. The name tank was adopted by the British during the early stages of their development, as a security measure to conceal their purpose. While the French and British built thousands of tanks between them, Germany developed and brought into service only a single design, the A7V, producing 20 vehicles due to lack of capacities or resources. Signal Corps photo 20951. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Working party about to start off in the rain wearing waterproof sheets and trench waders, November 1916. Working parties performed a number of important duties at the Front. One of the most unenviable tasks they had to carry out was venturing into no-man's-land during the hours of darkness to lay and repair barbed wire entanglements. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

A once strong German position of the Somme after it's bombardment and capture by the French, 1916. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

British troops receive rations from field kitsch, October 1916. Hot food was a morale booster in the cold, muddy, wet conditions of the Somme campaign. Field kitchen is a mobile kitchen, mobile canteens or food truck used primarily by military services to provide warm food to the troops near the frontline or in temporary encampments. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Ration wagons on the muddy road to Montauban, November 1916. Field kitchen is a mobile kitchen, mobile canteens or food truck used primarily by military services to provide warm food to the troops near the frontline or in temporary encampments. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

British armored cars set out on a reconnaissance mission in the Somme region. With the fighting leaving the trenches mobility became more and more essential. Austin Armored Car was a British armored car produced during WWI. The vehicle, known as Austin 1st series, was based on a passenger car chassis with rear axle drive. Wheels were wooden, spoked, with pneumatic tires and an additional set of wheels with full rubber tires for use in combat was carried. Two Maxim machine guns were mounted in separate turrets placed on both sides of the hull behind the driver's cab. The vehicle was protected by armor plates 3.5-4 mm thick screwed to a body frame. The crew of four (commander, driver and two gunners) could enter or leave the vehicle by a door on the left side of the cab or by the big two leaf rear door. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The attack was preceded by an eight day artillery bombardment, in which 1537 British guns fired 1,723,873 rounds. The aim of the bombardment was to kill the German soldiers and reduce them to shell-shocked chaos, and to destroy the German barbed wire. But the artillery failed. The shells were not powerful enough to break down into the German dugouts, and the shrapnel shells, which consisted merely of cases filled with ball-bearings, did not destroy any of the wire, but simply made it more tangled and impassable. The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Caption: "Men of 1st Lancashire Fusiliers are addressed by Major General de Lisle, commander of the 29th Division, on the day before battle." The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 - November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. The British 29th Division, known as the Incomparable Division, was a WWI regular army infantry division formed in early 1915. The division fought throughout the Battle of Gallipoli, including the original landing at Cape Helles. From 1916 to the end of the war the division fought on the Western Front in France. The number of Victoria Crosses won by members of this division was 27 (12 at Gallipoli). (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Caption: "Wounded British soldiers and German prisoners heading to the rear during the Battle of the Somme, 1916." The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

The Battle of the Somme was a battle of WWI fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916 on either side of the River Somme in France. The battle was one of the largest of World War I, in which more than 1,000,000 men were wounded or killed, making it one of humanity's bloodiest battles. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than any offensive since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Tank ploughing its way through a trench and starting toward the German line, during World War I, near Saint Michel, France, circa 1918. Tanks in World War I were developed separately and simultaneously by Great Britain and France as a means to break the deadlock of trench warfare on the Western Front. Their first use in combat was by the British Army on September 15, 1916 at Flers-Courcelette, during the Battle of the Somme. The name tank was adopted by the British during the early stages of their development, as a security measure to conceal their purpose. While the French and British built thousands of tanks between them, Germany developed and brought into service only a single design, the A7V, producing 20 vehicles due to lack of capacities or resources. Signal Corps photo 20951. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/Photo Researchers)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

This is the burial ground of troops who fell in the battle of Somme, France, 1916. (AP Photo)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Luftaufnahme eines Grabenabschnitts an der Somme in der Gegend von Vermandovilliers. Die Aufnahme, von einem deutschen Aufklärungsflugzeug aus 200m Höhe aufgenommen, zeigt als Wirkung des Artilleriefeuers zerschossene Schützengräben im Trichtergelände mit ihren Besatzungen. | Aerial photograph of a trench near Vermandovilliers. The picture, taken by a German reconnaissance plane at a height of 656 ft, illustrates the effects of prolonged shelling. It shows an area riddled with shell-holes and soldiers in badly damaged trenches., 01.01.1916-31.12.1916 (KEYSTONE/SUEDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG PHOTO/Scherl)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Britische Krankenwagen an der Westfront im Frontabschnitt der Somme. Unter den Fahrern, die sich vorn unterhalten, sind auch zwei weibliche Soldatinnen. 01.01.1916-31.01.1916 | British ambulances on the Western Front in the Somme sector. Among the drivers who are talking in the front, there are also two female soldiers., 01.01.1916-31.01.1916 (KEYSTONE/SUEDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG PHOTO/Scherl)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Hundreds of German guns captured at Couralette, France, Battle of Somme, World War I, 1916. Stereoscopic card detail. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/The Print Collector)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

After the attack on Mouquet Farm, Thiepval Ridge, Somme, France, World War I, 1916. Fought between 5 August and 27 September 1916, the Battle of Mouquet Farm was part of the wider Battle of the Somme. The I Anzac Corps suffered 6300 casualties in the fighting. The farm was finally captured on 27 September 1916 during the Battle of Thiepval Ridge. Stereoscopic card detail. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/The Print Collector)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Assault in Trones Wood, Somme, France, World War I, 1916. The British 14th (Light) and 18th (Eastern) Divisions attacked Trones Wood on 14 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, succeeding in capturing it the following day. Stereoscopic card detail. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/The Print Collector)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

High explosive shells bursting in Mametz Wood, Somme, France, World War I, 1916. Mametz Wood was the objective of the 38th (Welsh) Division at the Battle of the Somme. The division lost 4000 men killed or wounded in capturing the wood. Stereoscopic card detail. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/The Print Collector)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Mine crater at La Boiselle, the Somme, France, World War I, c1916-c1918. The crater was created by a massive underground mine placed in tunnels beneath the German lines by British sappers of the Royal Engineers. Known as the Lochnagar Mine, it was detonated on 1 July 1916 on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme. The crater has been preserved and is the site of a war memorial. Stereoscopic card detail. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/The Print Collector)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Captured German railway carriage, the Ancre, France, World War I, 1916. During the Somme Offensive of July-November 1916. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Captured German railway carriage, the Ancre, France, World War I, 1916. During the Somme Offensive of July-November 1916. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

British armoured railway engine, France, World War I, 1916. During the Somme Offensive of July-November 1916. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Observer of a kite-balloon testing the telephone before ascending, France, World War I,1916. During the Somme Offensive of July-November 1916. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

'A message for the Hun', France, World War I, 1916. British artillerymen loading a gun with a shell on which the message a busting time this Christmas has been painted. During the Somme Offensive of July-November 1916. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Threshing for straw for soldiers' use, France, World War I, 1916. During the Somme Offensive of July-November 1916. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

'Feeding the guns and upsetting the Huns', France, World War I, 1916. Soldiers handling artillery shells during the Somme Offensive of July-November 1916. A field gun is on the other side of the road. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

French troops on the road to the trenches, France, World War I, 1916. Soldiers of the French 6th Army, commanded by General Marie Emile Fayolle (1852-1928), during the Somme Offensive of July-November 1916. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

'The cook saves a large one for himself', Somme campaign, France, World War I, 1916. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

Cameraman filming a wounded soldier, Somme campaign, France, World War I, 1916. The French official cinematographer at work filming a wounded Scottish soldier. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)

ERSTER WELTKRIEG FRANKREICH SCHLACHT AN DER SOMME 1916

New Zealand troops queuing for a field canteen, Somme campaign, France, World War I, 1916. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Stapleton Historical Collection)