Battle of the Somme

Battle of the Somme: new research shows detonating a massive mine under German lines too early led to a British slaughter

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 8, 2024
Atmosphere, Convulsion, Map, Failure, Science, 51st (Highland) Division, Man, University, Goldsmiths, University of London, Smoke, Battle of the Somme, Detonation, History, Surveying

The footage of the explosion remains one of the best-known pieces of film from the whole conflict.

Key Points: 
  • The footage of the explosion remains one of the best-known pieces of film from the whole conflict.
  • It was one of 19 mines placed beneath German front positions that were detonated on July 1 1916, to mark the start of the offensive.
  • Higher and higher it rose, and with a horrible, grinding roar the earth fell back upon itself, leaving in its place a mountain of smoke.

Bringing science to bear on history

  • Now, the first scientific study to be carried out at the 107-year-old crater has just been published and has unearthed new details on its history.
  • Surveys of the surface examined the crater in detail never before seen at this site.
  • Over two field seasons in 2018 and 2019 we carried out magnetic and electrical resistivity geophysical surveys, to identify promising areas for subsequent archaeological excavations.

If at first you don’t succeed…

  • A second mine was laid using 30,000lbs of ammonal explosive, and was blown from the same tunnel on November 13 1916.
  • With no delay this time, and with better planning, the mine was much more effective, aiding the 51st Highland Division to capture Hawthorn ridge and the nearby village.
  • Our surface surveys mapped out this second crater, merging as it does with the original in today’s landscape.
  • He is affiliated with the Geological Society of London.
  • Kristopher Wisniewski is affiliated with the Geological Society of London.

Statement - Ministers of Veterans Affairs and National Defence mark 105th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 1, 2021
Battle of the Somme, Military history by country, In France, World War I, Military operations, Beaumont-Hamel, Hamel, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Beaumont, Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

Near the village of Beaumont-Hamel in northern France, the Newfoundland Regiment went into action in an attack that would turn out to be catastrophic.

Key Points: 
  • Near the village of Beaumont-Hamel in northern France, the Newfoundland Regiment went into action in an attack that would turn out to be catastrophic.
  • The Canadian Corps would also see heavy fighting later in the Battle of the Somme.
  • Today, we remember their courage, and the ultimate sacrifice so many made at the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel.
  • We honour their unfaltering commitment to our values, which secured for us the peace and freedom that we have today."