Western Front 1916

In 1916 the general plan was to relieve pressure from the Russian Front and for the British to use their swelling man power to relieve the French, who had suffered greatly both in personnel and morale in the battles around Verdun. The British relieved the whole of the French Tenth Army. A long battle of attrition resulted on the Somme, involving very heavy losses under increasingly difficult conditions. The German armies also suffered greatly in this battle.

The Regiment in France was increased by the following battalions raised in 1915:

The 19th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th Reserve Battalions were formed in 1916, but they soon lost their identity in the General Training Reserve. The earlier part of the year was employed by all units in trench warfare with many minor operations to keep up the offensive spirit.

The Battle Of The Somme - 1st July to 15th November

The Somme battle opened on 1st July. Fourteen battalions of the Regiment were ultimately engaged in it. The major actions are summarized as follows:

High Wood, 6th July

The 16th Battalion fought well in their first action, involving a 1,000-yard advance over the open. Exposed flanks prevented complete success. Lieutenant-Colonel L. F. Wyld was wounded.

This action gained the battle honour ALBERT, 1916. In a further action fought on 16th July the 16th Battalion and one company of 20th Bn. the 20th Battalion gained the honour BAZENTIN.

Losses: Officers: killed 7, wounded 8; Other Ranks: not recorded.

1st Battalion. 7th July. Sergeant Albert Gill, awarded the Victoria Cross.