Attack: An Infantry Subaltern's Impression of July 1st 1916

Attack is a firsthand account by Edward G. D. Liveing, an infantry officer who participated in the disastrous first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1st, 1916. The narrative offers a vivid and personal perspective on the horrors of trench warfare, as Liveing recounts his experiences leading his men into the assault. Through his eyes, readers witness the chaos, confusion, and brutal realities of the battle, where high expectations met with devastating losses. Liveing's account is both a reflection on the strategic failures and the human cost of the battle. He describes the heavy casualties, the exhaustion, and the moments of fear and courage experienced by soldiers on the front lines. Attack is not only a valuable historical document but also a poignant memoir that explores the psychological and emotional toll of war on young officers, offering a sobering look at the harsh realities of the Great War.