Figures & Leaders
The British Commander in Chief during the battle.
General Sir Douglas Haig
how many Total Casualties were there
over 1 million
What weapon could fire 600 rounds per minute
The machine gun
What animal caused major hygiene problems in the trenches
Rats
How many days did the initial artillery bombardment last?
7 days
This British General's controversial nickname due to the high casualty rates
"the butcher"
How many total miles did the Allies gain
7 miles
What weapon could fire 600 rounds per minute
The tank
What did soldiers wear to protect against poison gas?
Gas mask
Approximately how many shells did the British fire before the infantry attack?
1.5 million
The two main Allied nations that planned the initial offensive
Britain and France
Which side suffered more total casualties
Equal both over 600,000
What was the name for the large-scale guns used for bombardment?
Artillery
What was the most common food "biscuit" for a soldier?
Hard tack
What major mistake was made regarding the artillery bombardment?
Many shells where duds
The primary Central Power country defending their positions at the Somme.
Germany
What was the main French battle that the Somme helped "save"
Verdun
What hand-thrown explosive was nicknamed the "Potato Masher" by the British?
German stick grenade
What was a "Blighty wound"?
An injury serious enough to be sent home to Britain.
What explosive was detonated 10 minutes before the attack, warning the Germans?
Hawthorn ridge mine
The British Secretary of State for War who helped recruit the "Pals Battalions."
Lord Kitchener
How many days did the battle last
141 days
What was used to dig tunnels under enemy lines?
Mines or snappers
What was the metal headgear called
Brodie helmet
What was the exact time (Zero Hour) the infantry went "over the top"?
7:30 am