End of the 1916 Campaign

In the middle of November the long and costly Battle of the Somme came to an end. It had been a four and a half months' struggle with a tenacious and better-equipped enemy holding well-prepared fortifications. In the later stages it was a struggle against mud. Battalions were often in the line for long periods of great strain. Trenches were frequently obliterated and whole sections of men buried. When staff work was good, limited success was always attained. Effort was frequently dissipated in small and costly attacks which were easily countered by enemy machine-gun fire. Too often little time was given for preparation and reconnaissance. Accurate maps were not always available.

The German losses were, however, considerable and it was claimed that the efforts and sacrifices of the British Army on this bloody field saved the French Army from utter defeat and prevented the invasion of Russia—no small contribution to the eventual victory of the Allies.

Early in December Marshal Joffre was relieved of the command of the French armies. He was succeeded by General Nivelle.

It has been possible in this chapter to refer only to the more important operations in which battalions of our Regiment were engaged. In the whole of the Somme battle the Regiment lost a total of about 200 officers and 4,000 men. The New Army battalions had well maintained the traditions of the Regiment.

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