Battle of the Somme 1.July – 19.November 1916 France and Britain against Germany on the Western Front Largest battle of WWI General Sir Douglas Haig First battle to use Tanks 1

The Plan British artillery will bombard the German trenches Then shift to a “creeping barrage” strategy Creeping Barrage – the artillery slowly increases distance to keep pace with the infantry The infantry walk across No Man's Land and take the German side 2

Reality Britain = 420,000 France = 195,000 Battle began with a week of bombarding Allied forces rushed to cross No Man's Land German troops survived in massive dug-outs and began mowing down Allied troops with machine guns British casualties = 57,000; 20,000 dead (just on the first day!) Total casualties: Britain = 420,000 France = 195,000 Germany = 650,000 in counter-attacks British gained about 7 miles at the deepest point 3

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Battle of Jutland

German Destroyer

British ship firing a broad-side

Losses at the Battle of Jutland

WWI U-boat

Submarine Warfare

“Dazzle”

Thought it would confuse enemy subs…

U-Boats violated the “Rules of War” 1917, Germany declared “unrestricted submarine warfare” – it would sink any ship going to Britain (even neutral ships!)