The Battle of the Somme

The First of July 2026 is the 110th Anniversary of the start of Britain's longest and costliest battle, lasting 114 days into November-- The Battle of the Somme. Rodney Attwood studied the battle in depth for his biography of General Sir Henry Rawlinson, who commanded Fourth Army. 

Rawlinson's army was the chief part of the BEF launching the Anglo-French offensive. His talk will cover the battle's position in British national understanding, the background and challenges facing the BEF in preparation , the disaster of the first day, somewhat mitigated by the capture of three square miles in the south; success achieved a fortnight later; the battle of the woods; British superiority in artillery and in the air; the use of tanks and the situation late September ; and the change in the weather from 1st October affecting the course of the fighting. He will offer a strategic assessment of results. 

Members of the WFA and non-members alike are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like minded enthusiasts.

We ask a modest £5 donation to defray costs, this will include a free tea or coffee and entry into our famous raffle.