Purpose
The Somme was a combined offensive by what two allied forces?
Britain and France
When did the offensive take place?
July 1st - November 18, 1916
How many casualties on the first day?
Approx. 57,000.
What subject should you drop next year?
Anything but modern.
Where would the offensive take place?
The Somme River.
Approx. 3 million.
Where to German forces retreat?
Do we negotiate with terrorists?
No. Unless they are the IRA <3
What city was in need of relief from the Germans.
Verdun.
What offensive tactics were used? What type of fighting is it?
Artillery bombardment, mines, tanks (Mark!)
How many casualties overall?
Approx. 1 million.
Freya's favourite country?
Sudan.
What were the 3 key objectives?
1) Relieving pressure on Verdun
2) 'Wearing down' German forces
3) Gaining territory
What type of warfare was used?
Attrition Warfare.
What key objectives were achieved?
1) Verdun was relieved
2) Germany was weakened
3) only 320 square kilometres was gained (not really!)
Why is Russia our enemy?
1) Possibly started WW1.
2) Invaded Ukraine.
3) 11MH2 and 11MH3.
Who devised the plan?
Douglas Haig and Henry Rawlinson.
Reasons why the first day 'failed'?
German defences remained intact, lack of Allied resources, British communications compromised, underestimation of German defences.
Was the battle worth it?
Depends who you talk to...
Yes: was a key turning point, Germany was weakened, objectives (mostly) achieved, prompted US involvement, a tough lesson in how to fight a large-scale war.
No: amount of casualties, military incompetence, lack of territory gained, futile outcomes.
Who's the best modern teacher?
Ms Poole!