Hell in the Trenches: The Battle of the Somme

The Battle of the Somme was the largest and most devastating battle of the First World War.

On its first day it killed more British soldiers than in any previous battle. Yet the conflict would rage on for five more months, claiming over a million lives. As a result the very mention of the word 'Somme' sends shivers up the spine of many, and remains the most harrowing place name in the entire history of the British Commonwealth.