Published by Penguin
ISBN 0 14 017134 7 SB 365 pages £9.99
Martin Middlebrook, has in this one volume encompassed the first day of this most tragic event in British Military History.
When reading this book one is drawn into the preparation for the battle, by meeting10 men who are to play differing roles. You are taken through the battle plans, and the training of these men. All the hopes and expectations of these men of varying rank are drawn to the surface. In the last few hours the tension increases to the moment the Mines are exploded. At Zero hour you are taken “over the top” and the inevitable slaughter begins. As the morning progresses again you are party to reviews on the tragic loss of life, successful and failed actions, coupled with acts of heroism.
By the end of 1 July you are left exhausted, saddened and in awe of these heroes of the Somme.
Throughout the book Middlebrook, explains to layman and expert alike the structures of the Army. He uses the words of those who were there to describe the horrors of this day.
This leaves one with a sound knowledge and understanding of the blunders on this tragic day. One sees the Generals as overly ambitious and misguided in their belief that this day would be “a simple walkover.” It gives you the reader an appetite to delve further into this tragic event.
If one was to read only one book on the Battle of the Somme without hesitation I would suggest that this should be “The Book.” One can only go forward knowing that you have a safe foundation on which to build your further knowledge of 1 July 1916, “The Battle of the Somme.”
Reviewer: Martin Hornby
