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Battle of the Somme centenary commemorations – live Battle of the Somme centenary commemorations – live
(35 minutes later)
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At Thiepval earlier, one of the pieces of music, called The Lads in Their Hundreds by A.E. Housman, was performed by Samuel Boden. The piece was composed by Lieutenant George Butterworth and goes:
The lads in their hundreds to Ludlow come in for the fair, There’s men from the barn and the forge and the mill and the fold, The lads for the girls and the lads for the liquor are there, And there with the rest are the lads that will never be old.
There’s chaps from the town and the field and the till and the cart, And many to count are the stalwart, and many the brave, And many the handsome of face and the handsome of heart, And few that will carry their looks or their truth to the grave.
I wish one could know them, I wish there were tokens to tell The fortunate fellows that now you can never discern; And then one could talk with them friendly and wish them farewell And watch them depart on the way that they will not return.
But now you may stare as you like and there’s nothing to scan; And brushing your elbow unguessed-at and not to be told They carry back bright to the coiner the mintage of man, The lads that will die in their glory and never be old.
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Henry McDonald
Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, has revealed that her husband’s great-uncle was wounded at the Somme but survived that battle. Foster who is in Northern France today for the official commemoration on the battlefield told the Belfast Telegraph this morning that Sgt Robert Devers was sent back home to Ulster after his wounds on the Somme. However, the First Minister points out, Sgt Devers insisted on returning to fight in France and killed in action on 29 January 1918.
The First Minister said: “While I will be at the Somme today, representing the people of Northern Ireland, I will also be there to remember a family member and an individual, who - like so many others - went over the top on that fateful day a century ago.
“While the name of my husband’s great-uncle appears on a headstone in Lisnaskea, like so many others, his body rests in France.”
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Henry McDonald
Meanwhile back in Belfast the residents in and around Tower Street have transformed the area into a battlefield scenario.
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Here is how the Guardian and Observer originally reported the Battle of the Somme a century ago.
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Shane Hughes, a reader, has written in with a remarkable family coincidence involving the battle of the Somme. Hughes said he discovered that his mother’s uncle, Lt John S Dagg, and his father’s uncle, Pt James Douglas Hughes, both fought in the 2nd battalion Auckland Regiment of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Shane Hughes, a reader, has written in with a remarkable family coincidence involving the Battle of the Somme. Hughes said he discovered that his mother’s uncle, Lt John S Dagg, and his father’s uncle, Pt James Douglas Hughes, both fought in the 2nd Battalion Auckland Regiment of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
Whilst we’ve no idea whether they knew each other or not, they were both killed on the same day, in the same battle on 15 September 1916 at Longueval.Whilst we’ve no idea whether they knew each other or not, they were both killed on the same day, in the same battle on 15 September 1916 at Longueval.
Both soldiers’ names are inscribed in the wall at the Caterpillar Valley cemetery as having graves ‘known only unto God’. Yet John Dagg’s headstone is one of the 300 allied soldiers buried at Thiepval. We can only assume his body was found some years later but how he managed to be selected for burial at the Thiepval memorial is a mystery.Both soldiers’ names are inscribed in the wall at the Caterpillar Valley cemetery as having graves ‘known only unto God’. Yet John Dagg’s headstone is one of the 300 allied soldiers buried at Thiepval. We can only assume his body was found some years later but how he managed to be selected for burial at the Thiepval memorial is a mystery.
Of course we can’t help but think of the possibility my mum’s uncle sent my dad’s uncle over the top only for the pair of them to perish that same day. Another soldier reported later that he saw James fall suddenly as if he had been shot but his body was never found. Fortunately there were enough Daggs and Hugheses left to enable my mum and dad to be created, meet, marry and carry on the family line. They remain in New Zealand to this day.Of course we can’t help but think of the possibility my mum’s uncle sent my dad’s uncle over the top only for the pair of them to perish that same day. Another soldier reported later that he saw James fall suddenly as if he had been shot but his body was never found. Fortunately there were enough Daggs and Hugheses left to enable my mum and dad to be created, meet, marry and carry on the family line. They remain in New Zealand to this day.
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James MeikleJames Meikle
There is a pacifist view of the importance of the Battle of the Somme. It started just four months after conscription was introduced in the UK for most single men between 18 and 40.There is a pacifist view of the importance of the Battle of the Somme. It started just four months after conscription was introduced in the UK for most single men between 18 and 40.
Conscripts did not fight at the battle, they were still being trained, but Symon Hill, coordinator of the Peace Pledge Union (PPU) said: “The generals knew that the conscripts would soon be arriving at the front and thus they could ‘afford’ the deaths of British soldiers as they would soon be replaced.”Conscripts did not fight at the battle, they were still being trained, but Symon Hill, coordinator of the Peace Pledge Union (PPU) said: “The generals knew that the conscripts would soon be arriving at the front and thus they could ‘afford’ the deaths of British soldiers as they would soon be replaced.”
The Somme, Hill argued, is therefore inseparable from resistance to conscription and comprehensive objection. Most who applied for exemption as conscientious objectors were denied. In spring 1916, 35 were sent to France “in what appears to have been an attempt to break the resistance”. They still refused to obey orders and punishment for that was execution.The Somme, Hill argued, is therefore inseparable from resistance to conscription and comprehensive objection. Most who applied for exemption as conscientious objectors were denied. In spring 1916, 35 were sent to France “in what appears to have been an attempt to break the resistance”. They still refused to obey orders and punishment for that was execution.
They were court martialled and between 15 and 30 June, death sentences were handed down to all. But lobbying by anti-war activists and others in Britain helped get these commuted to 10 years’ imprisonment.They were court martialled and between 15 and 30 June, death sentences were handed down to all. But lobbying by anti-war activists and others in Britain helped get these commuted to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Howard Marten, a Quaker bank clerk, was the first to be sentenced. His description of events appears in the White Feather Diaries, a four-year online project serialising the experiences of conscientious objectors being run by the Quakers in Britain. Remembering his sentencing in a newspaper interview nearly 50 years later, now stored in the Imperial War Museum, Marten told how an officer had read out his death sentence.Howard Marten, a Quaker bank clerk, was the first to be sentenced. His description of events appears in the White Feather Diaries, a four-year online project serialising the experiences of conscientious objectors being run by the Quakers in Britain. Remembering his sentencing in a newspaper interview nearly 50 years later, now stored in the Imperial War Museum, Marten told how an officer had read out his death sentence.
“There was a pause and one thought, ‘Well, that’s that.’ And then ‘confirmed by the commander in chief’. That’s double-sealed it now. Then, another long pause and, ‘but subsequently commuted to penal servitude for 10 years.’”“There was a pause and one thought, ‘Well, that’s that.’ And then ‘confirmed by the commander in chief’. That’s double-sealed it now. Then, another long pause and, ‘but subsequently commuted to penal servitude for 10 years.’”
The battle on the Somme had started by the time the men were sent back to Britain to serve their sentences. Bert Brocklesby, a teacher from Yorkshire sentenced on 24 June and transported with others later, remembered: “We hugged each other and rejoiced at leaving that land of death behind.The battle on the Somme had started by the time the men were sent back to Britain to serve their sentences. Bert Brocklesby, a teacher from Yorkshire sentenced on 24 June and transported with others later, remembered: “We hugged each other and rejoiced at leaving that land of death behind.
“How much a land of death we were to learn later; about the time we were in Rouen military prison, one of the bloodiest battles of all history, the battle of the Somme, had been fought.”“How much a land of death we were to learn later; about the time we were in Rouen military prison, one of the bloodiest battles of all history, the battle of the Somme, had been fought.”
Alfred Evans, a piano tuner, was the last of the original 35 objectors to be sentenced – on 30 June, the day before the battle started.Alfred Evans, a piano tuner, was the last of the original 35 objectors to be sentenced – on 30 June, the day before the battle started.
All the conscientious objectors were released in 1919.All the conscientious objectors were released in 1919.
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Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
Year 10 pupils from Bangor grammar school in Northern Ireland were ready to lay wreaths at the Somme today. The school is twinned with the Lycée Thuillier in Amiens, and the Bangor students joined their French counterparts on the old battlefield.Year 10 pupils from Bangor grammar school in Northern Ireland were ready to lay wreaths at the Somme today. The school is twinned with the Lycée Thuillier in Amiens, and the Bangor students joined their French counterparts on the old battlefield.
The County Down school has a strong connection with the first world war, as 37 of its former students were killed in the conflict. The students are in northern France today with the support of the British Council.The County Down school has a strong connection with the first world war, as 37 of its former students were killed in the conflict. The students are in northern France today with the support of the British Council.
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Esther AddleyEsther Addley
Surgeon-Major George Hayes survived the horrors of the Somme but never recovered from what he had seen on the western front, according to his granddaughter Marianne Palmer-Smith.Surgeon-Major George Hayes survived the horrors of the Somme but never recovered from what he had seen on the western front, according to his granddaughter Marianne Palmer-Smith.
Hayes was an Anglo-Indian and a professional soldier-surgeon. Though his own diaries of the war years were lost in a family move, Palmer-Smith has her grandmother’s diaries of the time, addressed to her father, then a small boy, with the words: “I’m going to put the details down for you, my darling John. I want you to know in your afterlife that your father was one of the trench heroes in this awful war.”Hayes was an Anglo-Indian and a professional soldier-surgeon. Though his own diaries of the war years were lost in a family move, Palmer-Smith has her grandmother’s diaries of the time, addressed to her father, then a small boy, with the words: “I’m going to put the details down for you, my darling John. I want you to know in your afterlife that your father was one of the trench heroes in this awful war.”
As an experienced officer of almost 30 when the war began, Hayes was asked to run a field hospital near Passchendaele and Ypres, before moving south to the Somme valley. He had already been sent home after suffering shell concussion in 1915, returning to France late in the spring of 1916.As an experienced officer of almost 30 when the war began, Hayes was asked to run a field hospital near Passchendaele and Ypres, before moving south to the Somme valley. He had already been sent home after suffering shell concussion in 1915, returning to France late in the spring of 1916.
Palmer-Smith knows nothing of her grandfather’s experiences on 1 July. He never spoke of his war experiences. From testimonials of other soldiers, however, she knows he would insist on going out to the front in the field ambulances, praying that the Germans would recognise the red cross on the side and spare them, because, as her grandmother recorded, “he did not believe in asking a man to do what he would not do”. On the first day of the Somme, Hayes would have spent exhausting hours trying to do what little he could for those who survived the fighting, said his granddaughter. “It must have been hell on earth. You cannot imagine what it was like.”Palmer-Smith knows nothing of her grandfather’s experiences on 1 July. He never spoke of his war experiences. From testimonials of other soldiers, however, she knows he would insist on going out to the front in the field ambulances, praying that the Germans would recognise the red cross on the side and spare them, because, as her grandmother recorded, “he did not believe in asking a man to do what he would not do”. On the first day of the Somme, Hayes would have spent exhausting hours trying to do what little he could for those who survived the fighting, said his granddaughter. “It must have been hell on earth. You cannot imagine what it was like.”
He survived a second shell concussion later in the war but was never himself again, said Palmer-Smith, who has a heartbreaking collection of letters written by her young father, who had been sent away to Sussex with a nanny, asking plaintively, “Is daddie well again?”He survived a second shell concussion later in the war but was never himself again, said Palmer-Smith, who has a heartbreaking collection of letters written by her young father, who had been sent away to Sussex with a nanny, asking plaintively, “Is daddie well again?”
After the war, the family moved to South Africa, then the south of France, Jersey, and finally Guernsey, but Hayes found no peace, and twice tried to take his own life. After taking comfort in whisky, he died aged 52.After the war, the family moved to South Africa, then the south of France, Jersey, and finally Guernsey, but Hayes found no peace, and twice tried to take his own life. After taking comfort in whisky, he died aged 52.
Among Palmer-Smith’s prized possessions is her grandfather’s cigarette case, which he always carried with him in his top pocket during the war, and which still contains some of his favourite Craven A cigarettes. “When you open it,” she said, “it’s like going back in time.” It also holds a letter from the doctor’s two sisters in India, and a small photograph of his young son John, stained and crumpled from being held many times.Among Palmer-Smith’s prized possessions is her grandfather’s cigarette case, which he always carried with him in his top pocket during the war, and which still contains some of his favourite Craven A cigarettes. “When you open it,” she said, “it’s like going back in time.” It also holds a letter from the doctor’s two sisters in India, and a small photograph of his young son John, stained and crumpled from being held many times.
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James MeikleJames Meikle
Nine VCs were awarded for heroism among British armed forces on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. They included four Ulstermen.Nine VCs were awarded for heroism among British armed forces on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. They included four Ulstermen.
Over 5,500 men of the the 37th Ulster Division that day were killed or wounded. The division was a rare part of the British army to reach its objectives early on. By 8am, its troops had reached part of the battlefield called the Schwaben redoubt and taken over 400 German prisoners. But forces elsewhere faltered, leaving the division cut off and exposed to ferocious German counter-attacks which forced its troops to abandon the position and retreat.Over 5,500 men of the the 37th Ulster Division that day were killed or wounded. The division was a rare part of the British army to reach its objectives early on. By 8am, its troops had reached part of the battlefield called the Schwaben redoubt and taken over 400 German prisoners. But forces elsewhere faltered, leaving the division cut off and exposed to ferocious German counter-attacks which forced its troops to abandon the position and retreat.
The whole island of Ireland was then British – and more than 200,000 men are thought to have served in the British army during the first world war, even though conscription was never introduced there. About 35,000 of them, Protestant and Catholic, unionist and nationalist, died in the war.The whole island of Ireland was then British – and more than 200,000 men are thought to have served in the British army during the first world war, even though conscription was never introduced there. About 35,000 of them, Protestant and Catholic, unionist and nationalist, died in the war.
It is worth remembering that the Somme battle started just a few weeks after the Easter Rising in Dublin on 24 April 1916. The attack on the first day involved 13 Commonwealth divisions supported by a French attack to the south. Despite seven days of preliminary bombardment, there was little damage to German defences and losses were catastrophic.It is worth remembering that the Somme battle started just a few weeks after the Easter Rising in Dublin on 24 April 1916. The attack on the first day involved 13 Commonwealth divisions supported by a French attack to the south. Despite seven days of preliminary bombardment, there was little damage to German defences and losses were catastrophic.
The memorial at Thiepval bears the names of more than 72,000 British and South African soldiers killed mostly during the battle, but also up to March 1918, who have no marked grave.The memorial at Thiepval bears the names of more than 72,000 British and South African soldiers killed mostly during the battle, but also up to March 1918, who have no marked grave.
The Thiepval memorial was built between 1928 and 1932, and designed by the architecht Sir Edwin Lutyens.The Thiepval memorial was built between 1928 and 1932, and designed by the architecht Sir Edwin Lutyens.
There is also small cemetery at at the foot of the memorial containing equal numbers of graves of Commonwealth and French troops.There is also small cemetery at at the foot of the memorial containing equal numbers of graves of Commonwealth and French troops.
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The service at Thiepval has been incredibly moving for a lot of viewers, who have expressed their mood on Twitter.The service at Thiepval has been incredibly moving for a lot of viewers, who have expressed their mood on Twitter.
Abide with me...beautiful rendition at The Centenary Of the Battle of the Somme #Thiepval @BBCOne pic.twitter.com/EPwhdpUSYOAbide with me...beautiful rendition at The Centenary Of the Battle of the Somme #Thiepval @BBCOne pic.twitter.com/EPwhdpUSYO
The live BBC news coverage from Thiepval has broken me.The live BBC news coverage from Thiepval has broken me.
Absolutely incredible service at the Thiepval memorial. Stirring stuff #Somme100Absolutely incredible service at the Thiepval memorial. Stirring stuff #Somme100
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The Press Association reports:The Press Association reports:
The Northern Ireland secretary, Theresa Villiers will attend the Ulster Tower ceremony this afternoon with the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Northern Ireland’s first minister, Arlene Foster, will represent the Stormont executive. The Irish government will be represented by Heather Humphreys, minister for regional development, rural affairs, arts & the Gaeltacht.The Northern Ireland secretary, Theresa Villiers will attend the Ulster Tower ceremony this afternoon with the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Northern Ireland’s first minister, Arlene Foster, will represent the Stormont executive. The Irish government will be represented by Heather Humphreys, minister for regional development, rural affairs, arts & the Gaeltacht.
“Around 35,000 Irishmen – Protestants and Catholics, unionists and nationalists – were killed in the first world war,” Villiers said. “Their contribution and their sacrifice was immense, and we should never forget it.”“Around 35,000 Irishmen – Protestants and Catholics, unionists and nationalists – were killed in the first world war,” Villiers said. “Their contribution and their sacrifice was immense, and we should never forget it.”
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French & British school children marking each of the graves at Thiepval #Somme100 #lestweforget pic.twitter.com/sRUBVkJw2dFrench & British school children marking each of the graves at Thiepval #Somme100 #lestweforget pic.twitter.com/sRUBVkJw2d
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In Scotland, a whistle carried by an officer at the Battle of the Somme was blown by his descendant to commemorate the Scottish soldiers who fought in the Somme. It brought to an end an overnight vigil at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle to mark the 100th anniversary of the battle.In Scotland, a whistle carried by an officer at the Battle of the Somme was blown by his descendant to commemorate the Scottish soldiers who fought in the Somme. It brought to an end an overnight vigil at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle to mark the 100th anniversary of the battle.
Thousands of Scots from 51 battalions gave their lives and representatives of regimental associations from across the country gathered at the memorial to respect a two-minute silence at 7.30am - the moment when soldiers were led into battle a century ago.Thousands of Scots from 51 battalions gave their lives and representatives of regimental associations from across the country gathered at the memorial to respect a two-minute silence at 7.30am - the moment when soldiers were led into battle a century ago.
Prayers were said at the vigil before candles were taken inside the war memorial and placed on a casket containing the original Roll of Honour for the fallen of the First World War. The candles were guarded overnight by representatives from units including the Wrens, the Royal Navy and several Scottish Army regiments, standing by the casket with their heads bowed.Prayers were said at the vigil before candles were taken inside the war memorial and placed on a casket containing the original Roll of Honour for the fallen of the First World War. The candles were guarded overnight by representatives from units including the Wrens, the Royal Navy and several Scottish Army regiments, standing by the casket with their heads bowed.
Edinburgh Castle was also floodlit red to mark the anniversary.Edinburgh Castle was also floodlit red to mark the anniversary.
Alan Hamilton, who blew his great-uncle’s whistle, said:Alan Hamilton, who blew his great-uncle’s whistle, said:
My great-uncle Robert Hamilton was an artillery officer at the battle. He was attached to a Scottish unit as an observation officer and he blew this whistle on 1 July at 7.30am 100 years ago to take his men over the top into action.My great-uncle Robert Hamilton was an artillery officer at the battle. He was attached to a Scottish unit as an observation officer and he blew this whistle on 1 July at 7.30am 100 years ago to take his men over the top into action.
He went forward with the regiment and, because of the high rate of casualties among the officers, he ended up commanding the regiment until he was wounded and evacuated.He went forward with the regiment and, because of the high rate of casualties among the officers, he ended up commanding the regiment until he was wounded and evacuated.
After the war, my father was given the whistle by uncle Robert and he then carried it through the whole of the second world war when he was in the RAF, and when I joined the army he passed it on to me. I carried it for 41 years and my son, who is a corporal in the army, will be getting the whistle once these commemorations are over.After the war, my father was given the whistle by uncle Robert and he then carried it through the whole of the second world war when he was in the RAF, and when I joined the army he passed it on to me. I carried it for 41 years and my son, who is a corporal in the army, will be getting the whistle once these commemorations are over.
It was quite emotional, the hairs on the back of my neck went up and I thought this was something really special.It was quite emotional, the hairs on the back of my neck went up and I thought this was something really special.
It’s a big part of the family, with 100 years of history, and with a bit of luck that will continue on to future generations.It’s a big part of the family, with 100 years of history, and with a bit of luck that will continue on to future generations.
Nicola Sturgeon called for reflection on the “horrors of the Great War” as she attended the remembrance event at Thiepval. She said:Nicola Sturgeon called for reflection on the “horrors of the Great War” as she attended the remembrance event at Thiepval. She said:
Barely a single community in Scotland was left untouched by the battle. Across Scotland communities are now remembering those who gave their lives, and a whole century on from the devastation and suffering of the Battle of the Somme, we should all reflect on the horrors of the Great War and give thanks that our continent now lives in peace.Barely a single community in Scotland was left untouched by the battle. Across Scotland communities are now remembering those who gave their lives, and a whole century on from the devastation and suffering of the Battle of the Somme, we should all reflect on the horrors of the Great War and give thanks that our continent now lives in peace.
The Press Association contributed to this report.The Press Association contributed to this report.
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François Hollande, David Cameron and Prince Charles have all given a reading now.François Hollande, David Cameron and Prince Charles have all given a reading now.
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Charles Dance is now reading the poem Aftermath by Siegfried Sassoon. It goes...Charles Dance is now reading the poem Aftermath by Siegfried Sassoon. It goes...
Have you forgotten yet?...For the world’s events have rumbled on since those gagged days,Like traffic checked while at the crossing of city-ways:And the haunted gap in your mind has filled with thoughts that flowLike clouds in the lit heaven of life; and you’re a man reprieved to go,Taking your peaceful share of Time, with joy to spare.But the past is just the same--and War’s a bloody game...Have you forgotten yet?...Look down, and swear by the slain of the War that you’ll never forget.Do you remember the dark months you held the sector at Mametz--The nights you watched and wired and dug and piled sandbags on parapets?Do you remember the rats; and the stenchOf corpses rotting in front of the front-line trench--And dawn coming, dirty-white, and chill with a hopeless rain?Do you ever stop and ask, ‘Is it all going to happen again?’Do you remember that hour of din before the attack--And the anger, the blind compassion that seized and shook you thenAs you peered at the doomed and haggard faces of your men?Do you remember the stretcher-cases lurching backWith dying eyes and lolling heads--those ashen-greyMasks of the lads who once were keen and kind and gayHave you forgotten yet?...Look up, and swear by the green of the spring that you’ll never forget.Have you forgotten yet?...For the world’s events have rumbled on since those gagged days,Like traffic checked while at the crossing of city-ways:And the haunted gap in your mind has filled with thoughts that flowLike clouds in the lit heaven of life; and you’re a man reprieved to go,Taking your peaceful share of Time, with joy to spare.But the past is just the same--and War’s a bloody game...Have you forgotten yet?...Look down, and swear by the slain of the War that you’ll never forget.Do you remember the dark months you held the sector at Mametz--The nights you watched and wired and dug and piled sandbags on parapets?Do you remember the rats; and the stenchOf corpses rotting in front of the front-line trench--And dawn coming, dirty-white, and chill with a hopeless rain?Do you ever stop and ask, ‘Is it all going to happen again?’Do you remember that hour of din before the attack--And the anger, the blind compassion that seized and shook you thenAs you peered at the doomed and haggard faces of your men?Do you remember the stretcher-cases lurching backWith dying eyes and lolling heads--those ashen-greyMasks of the lads who once were keen and kind and gayHave you forgotten yet?...Look up, and swear by the green of the spring that you’ll never forget.
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Richard Norton-TaylorRichard Norton-Taylor
A newly discovered minute-by-minute eyewitness account of the first day of the battle of the Somme described how British infantrymen were quickly cut down by enemy shells and machine gun fire amid utter confusion while smoke and gas enveloped the ground between the opposing trenches.A newly discovered minute-by-minute eyewitness account of the first day of the battle of the Somme described how British infantrymen were quickly cut down by enemy shells and machine gun fire amid utter confusion while smoke and gas enveloped the ground between the opposing trenches.
The diary of Major Francis Meynell of the disastrous day in which 19,240 British soldiers were killed and more than 38,000 wounded – the bloodiest day in the history of the British army – was uncovered in Staffordshire’s county archives. Meynell, from Burton-upon-Trent, was stationed at the northern end of the battlefield where the 137th Staffordshire Brigade attacked the German-held village of Gommecourt.The diary of Major Francis Meynell of the disastrous day in which 19,240 British soldiers were killed and more than 38,000 wounded – the bloodiest day in the history of the British army – was uncovered in Staffordshire’s county archives. Meynell, from Burton-upon-Trent, was stationed at the northern end of the battlefield where the 137th Staffordshire Brigade attacked the German-held village of Gommecourt.
The 1/6th North Staffords and 1/6th South Staffords formed part of the brigade and were in the first wave of attacks on 1 July 1916. Of the 523 officers and men of the 1/6th South Staffords, 239 were killed, wounded, or were missing. The 1/6th North Staffords lost 170 officers and men of whom 126 were never found.The 1/6th North Staffords and 1/6th South Staffords formed part of the brigade and were in the first wave of attacks on 1 July 1916. Of the 523 officers and men of the 1/6th South Staffords, 239 were killed, wounded, or were missing. The 1/6th North Staffords lost 170 officers and men of whom 126 were never found.
On the day of the attack, Meynell kept a diary of events as they unfolded from his position in a cellar in the nearby village of Foncquevillers.On the day of the attack, Meynell kept a diary of events as they unfolded from his position in a cellar in the nearby village of Foncquevillers.
Meynell wrote his first entry at 6.25am. It simply read “bombardment begins”. By 6.47am, he noted “the drift of shell smoke” obscuring important landmarks. At 4.34pm, after 10 hours of battle, Meynell reported: “First absolute silence of 20 seconds since 6.50am.”Meynell wrote his first entry at 6.25am. It simply read “bombardment begins”. By 6.47am, he noted “the drift of shell smoke” obscuring important landmarks. At 4.34pm, after 10 hours of battle, Meynell reported: “First absolute silence of 20 seconds since 6.50am.”
6.53am: B.232 (O.P.[observation post] reported “Observation poor. Enemy shelling frontline with whizzbangs and crumps. Two 5.9. shells just fallen in front of battery.”6.53am: B.232 (O.P.[observation post] reported “Observation poor. Enemy shelling frontline with whizzbangs and crumps. Two 5.9. shells just fallen in front of battery.”
7.15am: C.232 [an observation post] could not tell me the direction enemy fire was coming from.7.15am: C.232 [an observation post] could not tell me the direction enemy fire was coming from.
7.33am: We tried to get in touch with Right F.O.O. [forward observation officer] and Battalion Liaison Officer, but were unable to get any reply.7.33am: We tried to get in touch with Right F.O.O. [forward observation officer] and Battalion Liaison Officer, but were unable to get any reply.
7.45am: A.232 (O.P.) reported that enfilade gun in ORCHARD (HANNESCAMP road) was being whizzbanged.7.45am: A.232 (O.P.) reported that enfilade gun in ORCHARD (HANNESCAMP road) was being whizzbanged.
7.46am: Two infantry officers who came into HQ reported that there appeared to be more heavy enemy guns in action than on any previous occasion7.46am: Two infantry officers who came into HQ reported that there appeared to be more heavy enemy guns in action than on any previous occasion
7.52am: Out of communication with R battalion on artillery wire.7.52am: Out of communication with R battalion on artillery wire.
7.56am: Out of communication with L battalion on artillery wire.7.56am: Out of communication with L battalion on artillery wire.
8.08am: The orchard was reported as being shelled by 4.2 and 5.9.8.08am: The orchard was reported as being shelled by 4.2 and 5.9.
8.11am: The 139th Bde Major reported that most of the infantry casualties were being caused by a machine gun on their right.8.11am: The 139th Bde Major reported that most of the infantry casualties were being caused by a machine gun on their right.
8.55am: Lt. Villa of 5th batt. Came in to HQ and reported that he had got into enemy first line which he found to be very strongly held. He was wounded in arm and in a bad way. He told us that the enemy came out of their dug outs after the first waves had passed over.8.55am: Lt. Villa of 5th batt. Came in to HQ and reported that he had got into enemy first line which he found to be very strongly held. He was wounded in arm and in a bad way. He told us that the enemy came out of their dug outs after the first waves had passed over.
9.35am: Col. Goodman reported, “Things have gone badly. Scott (M.O.? [medical officer]) says first two waves started, but 3 and 4 were cut down before they got to first line as smoke apparently thinned.”9.35am: Col. Goodman reported, “Things have gone badly. Scott (M.O.? [medical officer]) says first two waves started, but 3 and 4 were cut down before they got to first line as smoke apparently thinned.”
10.36am: The information at this time 3 hours and 6 minutes after 0.0. [ie zero hour] seemed very conflicting and no conclusion as to what had actually happened could be come to.10.36am: The information at this time 3 hours and 6 minutes after 0.0. [ie zero hour] seemed very conflicting and no conclusion as to what had actually happened could be come to.
1.12pm: C.232 (O.P.) reported “Fancy infantry seen moving between little Z towards big Z. Cannot say for certain whether hostile or friendly. Could we say for certain.” We reported had no knowledge.1.12pm: C.232 (O.P.) reported “Fancy infantry seen moving between little Z towards big Z. Cannot say for certain whether hostile or friendly. Could we say for certain.” We reported had no knowledge.
1.15pm: C.232 (O.P.) reported they thought above were English.1.15pm: C.232 (O.P.) reported they thought above were English.
4.34pm: First absolute silence of 20 secs since 6.05am4.34pm: First absolute silence of 20 secs since 6.05am
5.15pm: Bdr. Hale and Gr. Richards, A.323 battery, two of Lt. Clarke’s party came to report themselves to me. Their account was as follows: - Just before the attack started they were both put out of action by gas shells....They discovered the wire smashed to atoms for some distance. The reels of wire having been taken over by Lt. Clarke they returned to the battery, procured some more and went down again to the sap head to relay the missing part. Meeting with much difficulty in carrying out the work because of snipers and realizing the impossibility of getting across they decided to return and report to their battery commander who sent them to me. These men appear to have behaved extremely well under great difficulties. This is the second time that Gr. Richards has proved his excellence and courage as a wire-man.5.15pm: Bdr. Hale and Gr. Richards, A.323 battery, two of Lt. Clarke’s party came to report themselves to me. Their account was as follows: - Just before the attack started they were both put out of action by gas shells....They discovered the wire smashed to atoms for some distance. The reels of wire having been taken over by Lt. Clarke they returned to the battery, procured some more and went down again to the sap head to relay the missing part. Meeting with much difficulty in carrying out the work because of snipers and realizing the impossibility of getting across they decided to return and report to their battery commander who sent them to me. These men appear to have behaved extremely well under great difficulties. This is the second time that Gr. Richards has proved his excellence and courage as a wire-man.
9.52pm: C.232 (O.P.) reported, “Bombing seen and heard in German second line also flashes and smoke.” Further orders for the artillery in connection with the proposed attack in the evening...The proposed attack was not successful.9.52pm: C.232 (O.P.) reported, “Bombing seen and heard in German second line also flashes and smoke.” Further orders for the artillery in connection with the proposed attack in the evening...The proposed attack was not successful.
Gill Heath, a Staffordshire councillor responsible for the county’s first world war commemorations, said: “Meynell’s diary was a really exciting discovery for our archives staff and gives us a frightening insight into how things unfolded on that terrible day. Publishing the diary for the first time is all part of our plans to commemorate the centenary of the Great War and highlight Staffordshire’s many contributions.”Gill Heath, a Staffordshire councillor responsible for the county’s first world war commemorations, said: “Meynell’s diary was a really exciting discovery for our archives staff and gives us a frightening insight into how things unfolded on that terrible day. Publishing the diary for the first time is all part of our plans to commemorate the centenary of the Great War and highlight Staffordshire’s many contributions.”
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This was the reading by Sol Campbell.This was the reading by Sol Campbell.
Reading by Sol Campbell about former Clapton Orient (now Leyton O) player Willie Jonas #Somme100 pic.twitter.com/yCr8rexA5yReading by Sol Campbell about former Clapton Orient (now Leyton O) player Willie Jonas #Somme100 pic.twitter.com/yCr8rexA5y
11.33am BST11.33am BST
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Rachel ObordoRachel Obordo
As letters are being read out at Thiepval (currently actor Jason Isaacs is narrating the proceedings), readers are sending in their own stories.As letters are being read out at Thiepval (currently actor Jason Isaacs is narrating the proceedings), readers are sending in their own stories.
Harry Norman Snape, born in 1893, was a prisoner of war after being captured at the battle of Trônes Wood. He wrote many letters during his time at the front until his capture on 10 July 1916. One of them, dated 20 June, refers to “the day”, which was to become the first day of the battle of the Somme:Harry Norman Snape, born in 1893, was a prisoner of war after being captured at the battle of Trônes Wood. He wrote many letters during his time at the front until his capture on 10 July 1916. One of them, dated 20 June, refers to “the day”, which was to become the first day of the battle of the Somme:
We are training for ‘The Day’. We are only here for a day or two and then back. I can’t say when it’ll come off but when it does I think that we all shall be ready. Honestly, kid, I am going to try and do something. Nothing rash of course but I’m going to have a good try for honours. There are three of us here pals together, Clem Nixon, a chap we call ‘Ginger’ (H Rogers) & myself. The aforesaid Ginger is in for a Military Medal for attending the wounded under shell fire … This is the last letter I can write for a bit for post is stopped from here after tonight.We are training for ‘The Day’. We are only here for a day or two and then back. I can’t say when it’ll come off but when it does I think that we all shall be ready. Honestly, kid, I am going to try and do something. Nothing rash of course but I’m going to have a good try for honours. There are three of us here pals together, Clem Nixon, a chap we call ‘Ginger’ (H Rogers) & myself. The aforesaid Ginger is in for a Military Medal for attending the wounded under shell fire … This is the last letter I can write for a bit for post is stopped from here after tonight.
Best Love Harry.Best Love Harry.
Don’t worry. I shall be A1.Don’t worry. I shall be A1.
Love to all.Love to all.
A few days later Harry’s battalion assembled in Maricourt, just west of Trônes Wood, as part of a strategic offensive to capture the village of Guillemont. Although they crossed the first 200 yards of no man’s land without incident, they encountered heavy shell fire from the Germans.A few days later Harry’s battalion assembled in Maricourt, just west of Trônes Wood, as part of a strategic offensive to capture the village of Guillemont. Although they crossed the first 200 yards of no man’s land without incident, they encountered heavy shell fire from the Germans.
The Germans retaliated and Trônes Wood came under heavy bombardment. The allied troops found themselves locked in and were eventually bombed out. All were killed or, as in the case of Harry Snape, captured. Over 200 men were missing after the battle of Trônes Wood.The Germans retaliated and Trônes Wood came under heavy bombardment. The allied troops found themselves locked in and were eventually bombed out. All were killed or, as in the case of Harry Snape, captured. Over 200 men were missing after the battle of Trônes Wood.
Due to wounds on his hands and wrist Harry was in hospital before being transferred to the POW camp in Hammelburg. He continued to write during his time there until his release and subsequent return home.You can share your photos and stories with us via GuardianWitness or by clicking on the “Contribute” button at the top of the live blog.Due to wounds on his hands and wrist Harry was in hospital before being transferred to the POW camp in Hammelburg. He continued to write during his time there until his release and subsequent return home.You can share your photos and stories with us via GuardianWitness or by clicking on the “Contribute” button at the top of the live blog.
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