Author Topic: This Year Marks the 90th Anniversary... (Read 721 times)

Shuckins · « **on:** August 02, 2006, 09:48:32 PM »

...of the Battle of the Somme; July 1 through November 18, 1916.

I ran across that bit of information, and thought it bore repeating.

It holds the distinction of being one of the bloodiest battles in history, and holds the record for number of casualties suffered in a single day.

On the first day of this offensive, the British suffered 58,000 casualties, about half of which were deaths.

By the time the Somme Offensive ended in November, the BEF had suffered 420,000 casualties, the French 200,000, and the Germans 500,000.

Casualties so horrendous they stagger the imagination.

THAT was a war.

Eagler · « **Reply #1 on:** August 02, 2006, 09:59:39 PM »

it is an example of battlefield tactics not keeping up with advances in weapon technology

the story was on the history ch the other day - the invention of the german machine gun

you'd thought that after the first couple of thousand dead brits troops, someone would have re-thought the plan..

Toad · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2006, 10:09:56 PM »

Well, after all, the man WAS heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. SOMETHING had to be done.

rpm · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2006, 10:31:38 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Eagler
you'd thought that after the first couple of thousand dead brits troops, someone would have re-thought the plan..

You obviously know nothing about British officers circa WW1.

[short melodramatic reenactment]
Enlisted:This will never work. Our men will be slaughtered.

Officer: Do it!

Enlisted: It didn't work. Our men were slaughtered.

Officer: You're not trying hard enough, do it again!
[/short melodramatic reenactment]

Debonair · « **Reply #4 on:** August 03, 2006, 12:18:22 AM »

its hard to lead a battle well when you dont have accurate information about it (because you're 20 miles behind the lines having port & cigars).

"harumph...i say, batman, its a bit nippy in here, throw a few more canadians on the fire"

TimRas · « **Reply #5 on:** August 03, 2006, 07:12:09 AM »

Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig quotes:

"The machine-gun is a much over-rated weapon" -1915

"The way to capture machine guns is by grit and determination." - 1915

"The nation must be taught to bear losses. No amount of skill on the part of the higher commanders, no training, however good, on the part of the officers and men, no superiority of arms and ammunition, however great, will enable victories to be won without the sacrifice of men's lives. The nation must be prepared to see heavy casualty lists." Haig June 1916 before the battle of the Somme

"I believe that the value of the horse and the opportunity for the horse in the future are likely to be as great as ever. Aeroplanes and tanks are only accessories to the men and the horse, and I feel sure that as time goes on you will find just as much use for the horse - the well-bred horse - as you have ever done in the past". -1926

"Brilliant to the top of his army boots." David Lloyd George on Haig, attributed

Furball · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2006, 05:14:19 PM »

there is also the argument that they were engaging in a war of attrition at the Somme... one that the Germans would not win and contributed to the winning of the war in 1918...

not saying i agree with it, but it is an argument.

Widewing · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2006, 07:23:03 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Eagler
it is an example of battlefield tactics not keeping up with advances in weapon technology

the story was on the history ch the other day - the invention of the german machine gun

you'd thought that after the first couple of thousand dead brits troops, someone would have re-thought the plan..

That "German" machine gun was invented by an American, Hiram Maxim, whose own government paid scant attention to it. James Paris Lee invented the action that would become the Lee-Enfield rifle. The well known "Lewis" machine gun was designed and refined by two Americans, Sam MacLean and Col. Isaac Lewis. Even the French Hotchkiss MG was developed by an American engineer (although the concept belonged to an Austrian). None of these weapons were purchased in any numbers for the US Army until 1917, and the Enfield used by the US was a knock-off of the Mauser 98 (as was the Springfield M1903). Amazing.....

My regards,

Widewing

Debonair · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2006, 07:36:33 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Widewing
...The well known "Lewis" machine gun was designed and refined by two Americans, Sam MacLean and Col. Isaac Lewis....

What about Frederick Libby?

Widewing · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2006, 08:01:23 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Debonair
What about Frederick Libby?

What about him?

My regards,

Widewing

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2006, 08:16:04 PM »

See Rule #4

Toad · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2006, 08:29:29 PM »

Laser, you should listen to your mom.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2006, 08:35:57 PM »

You should read a history book and prove me wrong.

Toad · « **Reply #13 on:** August 03, 2006, 08:37:29 PM »

I'm wagering I've read far more of them than you have.

I think you're previous statement is more than sufficient proof.

Listen to your mom. She gave you good advice.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 03, 2006, 08:38:45 PM »

Keep insulting me. Maybe after 40 days I might forget that you never proved anything.