The Year of the Somme
Literary Hour, Wednesday, 16th November, at 1.00 pm
1916 was a dreadful year of war. It is probably most commonly remembered for the first Battle of the Somme. This began on 1st July, following a ferocious bombardment, and continued until 18th November, 1916. In simple terms the British had advanced 7 miles, at the deepest point, into ground previously held by German troops, but the cost of the battle was enormous. Recent estimates indicate that British losses (killed, wounded, missing or captured) were about 419,654 and French losses 204,253, a total of 623,907. On the German side losses are calculated at about 600,000. Losses on this scale had not been contemplated by the British public and came as a massive shock, not without consequences.
In the longer term the result of the battle was more favourable to the allies than is immediately apparent from the above figures, because the introduction of conscription and the arrival during 1916 of increasing numbers of troops from other Commonwealth countries made them more able to continue than Germany, for which continued losses on this scale were unsustainable. Doubting its ability to resist another attack on its current position, the German high command withdrew several miles to a new and more defensible line during the winter of 1916-1917.
Although the Somme, with its dreadful losses and conditions, was the dominant aspect of the year, other aspects must not be overlooked. At sea the main event was the Battle of Jutland, fought on 31st May. This was the only occasion when the British Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet met in action. Although at first sight not decisive, the result was that the German High Seas Fleet never ventured out again, with the result that Germany could not break the British naval blockade. This had an increasing effect on the course of the war.
At home the introduction of conscription at the start of the year gave rise to conflicts of attitude and there was considerable hostility towards, and at times ill treatment of conscientious objectors. The changing role and activities of women also had their effect.
An hour is not long enough to do justice to all that took place, but we hope to present an interesting and moving programme, with the occasional amusing or unexpected incident, and of course some suitable poems of remembrance.
Entry free, but a retiring collection. Tea and coffee afterwards.
A Literary Hour
John Willmer