(87) 1916 1st July Battle of the Somme.

First day of the Battle of the Somme.

The hour-long barrage lifted at 7.25 am, the troops went 'over the top' into a smoke screen, were cut down in droves by heavy enemy machine-gun, rifle, and artillery fire. The few men who reached the opposing trenches found that the wire had been partially cut but not removed by the preparatory artillery fire, so were unable to make any progress. Just over half of the battalion was destroyed in that morning, mostly in the first few minutes. Later reports told that most of the casualties were the work of one enemy machine-gun that had not been suppressed in the north-west corner of Gommecourt village. The 1/6th South Staffordshire regiment now numbered about 250 men.

Quote from Diary

1st Saturday
Staffs Infantry lead Charge and go over top at 7.30am.
46 Division make a Charge at Foncquevillers and Staffs Bgde reach Germans where from which they are forced to return, being greatly outnumbered, the German shell fire was deadly and terrific casualties numbering 2000 for Div.
Notts & Derbys make an advance, British advance at several points.

On this the first day of the first Battle of the Somme, British Army casualties were approximately 21000 killed and 25000 wounded.

2nd Sunday

2nd Sunday

I am on hospital duty during Charge, at Gaudiempre,wounded continue to come in convoys. Colley,B Sect killed on 1-7-16 and several Notts & Derbys. British continue to bombard on a long front and infantry attacks and successes at many points. Bearers return from trenches.46 Div come out of action.

3rd Monday
Advance party of B Sect leave Gaudiempre and march to Bailleulval and take over dressing station 1 1/2 miles in rear of line. Quiet time.
Motor orderly.

4th Tuesday
Bailleulval.
Motor orderly.
Travelling to La Herlière Headquarters and Hospital.
Aft. Berles and La Herlière.

9th Sunday
From Bailleulval to La Herlière.
No. 18 car finished first week up line.