British Columbia: First Day of the Somme

| June 29, 2022

The Darkest of Days The Battle of the Somme lasted for 141 days ending 18 November 1916. During its time the British Army and associated units of the British Commonwealth, including Canada, suffered some 650,000 casualties…200,000 lost their lives. It is, however, the first day…1 July 1916 that speaks with the loudest of voices…54,740 British […]

Tyneside Pipers: First Day of the Somme

| July 1, 2019

La Boiselle this day so many years ago… This Day – 1 July 2019 When I can…I walk this ground, towards La Boiselle… We are in this place, peaceful now, but where the hearts of men once beat with adrenaline as they advanced. Their rhythms interrupted by the stuttering power of the seemingly endless machine […]

Canada’s Birthday from Coast to Coast to Coast

| July 1, 2017

July 1 – Remembrance and Celebration Its Canada’s birthday a time to reflect on the past 150 years of counting though we well recognize that there was much time before the counting. We celebrate our achievements, cast our minds upon our foibles, provide recognition, and generally say good things about ourselves. Within the glow of […]

Canadian in a British Regiment: 1 July 1916

| July 3, 2016

IN THE GREAT ADVANCE Canadian Officer’s Graphic Letter. The following is a letter from a young Canadian serving with an English regiment – an officer in the first line on the first day of the big offensive: – July 1.      I am writing this in a dug-out about 200 yards from German lines. […]

Mine Craters on the Somme

| May 6, 2012

Lochnagar and Hawthorn Ridge Standing at its edge the mine crater of Lochnagar dwarfs all those who stand beside it staring down into its depth at the circle of poppy crosses at its base. The crater was created July 1, 1916 when the explosive packed mine was detonated by the Royal Engineers at 7:28 AM […]