The Battle of the Somme took place during the summer of 1916 and was one of the largest of the Great War. Characterized as a useless slaughter, the Somme highlighted for many the brutalities of war. The Somme was the most important battle in World War I. This can be demonstrated through an examination of its reputation as the bloodiest battle in human history, the complete disregard for human life on the part of British commanders, and the specific case of the Newfoundlanders at Beaumont-Hamel.
It has been argued that perhaps Vimy Ridge or Canada’s 100 Days are more important battles than the Somme, especially when considering the role Canadians played in both battles. There is no doubt that both are important battles in Canadian history. In fact, both battles had heavy casualties and several examples of futile, destructive acts. Both, however, were well-planned victories for Canada. The Somme, poorly planned and poorly executed, saw death and destruction on such a large scale that it can only be …show more content…
No covering artillery fire supported the Newfoundlanders as they left their trenches and German machine gun fire mowed them down in large numbers before they even reached the gaps in their own barbed wire. (Newfoundland and the Great War, 2014) Private Anthony Stacey, who watched the assault from a forward trench, recalled he “could see no moving, but lots of heaps of khaki slumped on the ground.” (Veterans Affairs, 2014) The few Newfoundlanders who made it to the German lines realized the week-long artillery barrage that preceded the battle had not cut the German barbed wire. In 30 minutes, it was all over. Over 700 members of the Newfoundland Regiment were killed, wounded, or missing. Only 68 responded to roll call the next day. (Munroe, 2014) The battle had annihilated the Newfoundland
It has been argued that perhaps Vimy Ridge or Canada’s 100 Days are more important battles than the Somme, especially when considering the role Canadians played in both battles. There is no doubt that both are important battles in Canadian history. In fact, both battles had heavy casualties and several examples of futile, destructive acts. Both, however, were well-planned victories for Canada. The Somme, poorly planned and poorly executed, saw death and destruction on such a large scale that it can only be …show more content…
No covering artillery fire supported the Newfoundlanders as they left their trenches and German machine gun fire mowed them down in large numbers before they even reached the gaps in their own barbed wire. (Newfoundland and the Great War, 2014) Private Anthony Stacey, who watched the assault from a forward trench, recalled he “could see no moving, but lots of heaps of khaki slumped on the ground.” (Veterans Affairs, 2014) The few Newfoundlanders who made it to the German lines realized the week-long artillery barrage that preceded the battle had not cut the German barbed wire. In 30 minutes, it was all over. Over 700 members of the Newfoundland Regiment were killed, wounded, or missing. Only 68 responded to roll call the next day. (Munroe, 2014) The battle had annihilated the Newfoundland