Status Updates From The Somme

Summer was as deadly as the first day; but the British learnt to use the creeping barrage...unless they used the first Tanks (!) leaving the defenders intact.

Gains on the first day depended on wire-cutting, destroying MG positions, counter-battery fire & breath of no man's land. Until july 14, costly brigade-level attacks with exposed flanks did increase gained ground tenfold.

Contrary to popular image, the civilian government was firmly in control of the Somme planning since early 1916 ; the Verdun offensive did not initiate it. it.