All of this so that when the whistle blew and the signal to go over the top was given men from the Allied trenches would be able to walk to the enemy and seize their positions. The preparations were not just on top of the ground but underground, as huge cavities were mined out under German frontlines, to be filled with explosives. ![]() During the week before 1.6 million shells were fired at the German Font line the largest artillery barrage the British had ever mounted at that point. The attack on 1 July 1916 had been planned in meticulous detail. There were approximately 58,000 casualties 19,000 of which were deaths on the first day alone. The Battle of the Somme is the most costly battle in terms of casualties that Britain and its Commonwealth and Empire has ever experienced, before or since. It is typical for most nations to commemorate their victories and successes and the British are usually no different in that sense, but the Battle of the Somme is an exception. Up and down the UK and parts of France, as well as across the world vigils will be held over the next 141 days for those that fought and were affected by the Battle of the Somme.
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