On 19th November 1916, one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War came to an end resulting in the tragic loss of an estimated 420,000 British lives and a further 200,000 French casualties – a staggering 19,240 British soldiers were killed on the first, and bloodiest, day alone.
100 years on, as we take a moment to reflect on the human cost of life during The Battle of The Somme, we remember those who lost their lives in the 141 day conflict in which the Allies gained 7 miles of ground. Many people are left questioning the significance of this gain, particularly when faced with such shocking facts about human lives lost. As historians, you understand the significance of what seems like ‘just 7 miles’ to your students as well as how this conflict shaped the rest of the First World War, and now it is your challenge to try and explain this to them.
Download our free Battle of the Somme classroom poster
With the addition of our free classroom poster to your teaching aids, you can bring your students face-to-face with some of the facts of the battle which will hopefully raise questions, spark valuable discussions and ultimately give them a better understanding of the horrors of warfare.
On this day, 100 years on, lest we forget.
Rayburn Tours have over 20 years of experience organising fantastic school trips to The Somme, for more information get in touch with us today.