Bringing history to life

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The best way to study a battlefield is to walk across it. You get a feel for the ground, appreciate the importance of a low ridge or an apparently insignificant re-entrant and gain an understanding which studying maps cannot give. July 1st, the opening day of the Battle of the Somme has a special place in British memories and feelings about the Great War. It was the first major British offensive on the Western Front; the huge volunteer armies were in France and hopes were high, at home and in the trenches. We look at some of the actions along the 14 miles of the British front line; the diversionary attack at Gommecourt, the varied fortunes of the Pals Battalions from disaster in the north to success in the south. The enormous casualties of the first day (more than 57,000) shattered the hopes of a quick victory, but as the summer wore on the balance shifted.

This tour is led by renowned historian, Professor Richard Holmes

Innovative tactics such as night attacks, the lifting barrage, the first use of tanks, above all the fighting qualities and endurance of the British and Colonial troops inlicted such high casualties on the Germans that their High Command ordered the construction of a defensive line, to which they would withdraw in the winter of 1916-17. Our First World War Somme Walks tours have been popular for many years; this year Professor Richard Holmes CBE will accompany your war walk across the 1916 Somme battlefield, pausing to discuss the actions of many British battalions from 1st July, through the summer attacks and counter attacks to the final days of the autumn.