British Infantryman in the Somme Offensive July 1916.
On the 1st July 1916 the Battle of the Somme started with a major British attack on the German lines. That fateful first day turned out to be the most costliest day in the British Army's history.
The Somme offensive was the first major engagement of Great Britain's "New Army" which was largely composed of volunteers who had rushed to join up and answer the call to "fight the Hun" for "King and Country". That first day promised so much with the enthusiasm of the new volunteers and a so called plan from the high command gave everyone confidence of victory. Unfortunately the day did not go to plan with some 60,000 British soldiers being killed, wounded or taken prisoner within a few hours for very little gains. The Battle of the Somme was a series of operations which were to last until 19th Novembers 1916.