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Somme 1916

Does your country have the right to compel you to do military service? Explore how 100 years ago – and for the very first time – the UK government crossed that line.

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Firing Practice at Helfaut May 1916. 4 inch Stokes Mortar (as used for firing gas-shells)

Firing Practice at Helfaut May 1916. 4 inch Stokes Mortar (as used for firing gas-shells)

NAM. 2002-02-902-22

Lord Kitchener’s Appeal

Lord Kitchener’s Appeal

More details: NAM. 1996-01-10-1

C Coy, 4th Public Schools Bn Royal Fusiliers in civilian dress marching to a church parade, Ashstead, 1914

C Coy, 4th Public Schools Bn Royal Fusiliers in civilian dress marching to a church parade, Ashstead, 1914

NAM. 2001-06-121-3

Light railway and troops moving up

Light railway and troops moving up

More details: NAM. 1999-11-70-65

The detonation of a mine on the Somme, 1916

The detonation of a mine on the Somme, 1916

More details: NAM. 2001-01-279-56

'Under cover of gas and smoke we break through to Serre and Thiepval'

‘Under cover of gas and smoke we break through to Serre and Thiepval’

More details: NAM. 1972-08-67-1-48

Photograph of British soldiers with casualty

Photograph of British soldiers with casualty

More details: NAM. 2001-01-279-55

Photograph of troops with tank

Photograph of troops with tank

NAM. 1952-01-33-55-87

British wounded at an advanced dressing station behind the Somme front, 1916

British wounded at an advanced dressing station behind the Somme front, 1916

More details: NAM. 2001-01-279-19

Men of the Worcestershire Regiment marching to the front, Summer 1916

Men of the Worcestershire Regiment marching to the front, Summer 1916

More details: NAM. 2007-03-7-99

Grave of an unknown British soldier near Ginchy

Grave of an unknown British soldier near Ginchy

More details: NAM. 2007-03-7-158

Download the Learning Resources

  • Somme 1916 - Resource Pack
    (6.1MB)

Related timeline events

  • Lord Kitchener's appeal for new recruits
  • Battle of the Somme begins
  • Battle of Albert
  • Battles for Longueval and Delville Wood
  • Battle of Bazentin Ridge
  • Battle of Fromelles
  • Battle of Pozières
  • Battle of Guillemont
  • Battle of Ginchy
  • Battle of Flers-Courcelette
  • Battle of Morval
  • Battle of Theipval Ridge
  • Battle of Le Transloy
  • Battle of Ancre
  • Battle of the Somme ends

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