The Battle of the Somme has become a byword for what is perceived as the futility and senselessness of the fighting on the Western Front during the First World War. British generals – particularly the commander-in-chief Sir Douglas Haig – are blamed for causing needless casualties.
This vision is anchored in the disastrous events of 1 July 1916 when, in terms of casualties sustained, the British Army suffered the worst day in its history, with over 19,000 men killed. This was only the first of 141 days of this gigantic battle. Thankfully the terrible casualties of 1 July were never repeated, although the battle was still the most costly of the war for Britain.
