10 Reasons Why The Somme National Myth Is Wrong - History Collection

6. The Morale Myth

Contrary to the belief that the Battle of the Somme irreparably shattered Allied morale, numerous personal accounts reveal ongoing commitment and resilience among the troops. For instance, Second Lieutenant Percy Boswell of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry wrote to his father on the eve of battle:

Similarly, Sergeant James Littler’s diary provides insight into the soldiers’ experiences, highlighting their determination and camaraderie despite the hardships faced. These personal narratives challenge the notion of a demoralized army, illustrating the enduring spirit and resolve of the Allied forces during the battle.

7. The Role of Colonial Troops Is Underplayed

The contributions of colonial troops during the Battle of the Somme are often overlooked, yet they were integral to the Allied efforts. Soldiers from across the British Empire—including Indian, South African, and Canadian forces—played pivotal roles in various sectors of the battlefield. For instance, the 1st Battalion of the Newfoundland Regiment fought alongside the 29th Division on 1 July 1916, demonstrating the significant involvement of colonial units. Additionally, the British West Indies Regiment (BWIR) was increasingly utilized in combat roles during the battle. Initially assigned primarily to labor duties, the BWIR’s participation in frontline operations expanded due to the high casualty rates among regular troops, highlighting the critical support provided by colonial forces (researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk). These examples challenge the myth of a purely British effort, underscoring the diverse and essential contributions of colonial troops to the success of the Battle of the Somme.

8. The Somme Wasn’t the Bloodiest Day of WWI

While the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916 is often remembered for its immense British casualties, other battles on the Eastern Front resulted in higher single-day tolls. For instance, during the Battle of Tannenberg in August 1914, Russian forces suffered approximately 70,000-120,219 killed, wounded, or captured. Similarly, the Siege of Novogeorgievsk in August 1915 led to the capture of the entire Russian garrison, with casualties numbering in the thousands (en.wikipedia.org). These examples highlight that, when viewed in a broader context, the Somme’s first day was not the deadliest single day of World War I.

9. The Myth of the ‘Pals Battalions’ Destroyed Forever

The narrative that entire towns were obliterated and regiments lost forever due to the Battle of the Somme overlooks the resilience and eventual rebuilding of many affected battalions. For instance, the Accrington Pals, comprising approximately 700 men, suffered devastating losses on the first day of the battle, with 235 killed and 350 wounded within twenty minutes. Despite this, the battalion was reconstituted and continued to serve for the remainder of the war. Similarly, the Sheffield City Battalion, part of the 12th (Service) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, faced significant casualties but was replenished and remained active throughout the conflict. These examples demonstrate that, contrary to the myth of total destruction, many ‘Pals Battalions’ were rebuilt and continued to contribute to the war effort, challenging the notion of their complete annihilation (en.wikipedia.org).

10. The Somme’s Strategic Importance Endures

Conclusion

The prevailing national myth of the Battle of the Somme as a futile slaughter oversimplifies its complex reality. In truth, the battle led to significant military innovations, strategic gains, and the weakening of German forces, all contributing to the eventual Allied victory. Recognizing these facets offers a more nuanced understanding of the Somme’s historical significance and legacy.