Elegy: The First Day on the Somme

Roberts, Andrew

ISBN 10: 1784080012 / ISBN 13: 9781784080013

Published by Head of Zeus, 2015

About this Item

Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.

Seller Inventory # ZEV.1784080012.G

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Elegy: The First Day on the Somme
• Publisher: Head of Zeus
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1784080012
• ISBN 13: 9781784080013
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

The New York Times-bestselling author of Napeoleon: A Life and The Storm of War tells the shattering story of the blackest day in the history of British army: the first day of the Somme Offensive, July 1, 1916

On July 1, 1916, after a five-day bombardment, 11 British and five French divisions launched their long-awaited "Big Push" on German positions on high ground above the Rivers Ancre and Somme on the Western Front. Some ground was gained, but at a terrible cost. In killing-grounds whose names are indelibly imprinted on 20th-century memory, German machine-guns—manned by troops who had sat out the storm of shellfire in deep dugouts—inflicted terrible losses on the British infantry. The British Fourth Army lost 57,470 casualties, the French Sixth Army suffered 1,590 casualties, and the German 2nd Army 10,000. And this was but the prelude to 141 days of slaughter that would witness the deaths of between 750,000 and 1 million troops. Andrew Roberts evokes the pity and the horror of the blackest day in the history of the British army—a summer’s day turned hell on earth by modern military technology—in the words of casualties, survivors, and the bereaved.

About the Author

Andrew Roberts is a prize-winning historian, journalist, and broadcaster. His books include Masters and Commanders, Napoleon: A Life and, The Storm of War.