This is the dramatic story of 9th Devons’ attack on Mansel Copse on July 1st 1916. It seems to exemplify the tragedy and failure of that day. It also includes the curious tale of Captain Duncan Martin, of A Company, who before the battle built a large 3D plasticene model highlighting German strongpoints on his Brigade’s front. As Martin Middlebrook in The First Day on the Somme called him several times, he was 'the man who predicted where he would be killed'.
Above: The well known memorial outside Devonshire Cemetery, on the Somme
Much of the truth of this tale has been lost in myth and embellishment yet 20th Brigade, with the Devons in the centre, reached their objectives that day, albeit later than hoped. What’s more Martin himself remains an slightly enigmatic figure. He was not your usual middle ranking officer of the July 1916 vintage, and - spoiler alert - he did not predict where he would die …
Above: Captain Martin's headstone
Members wishing to participate will need to register, details of how to register will be circulated via The Western Front Association's newsletter 'Trench Lines'. If you are not a subscriber to Trench Lines please subscribe now via the box at the bottom of this page.
It is also possible to register by clicking this link: Captain Martin and the Devons on 1st July 1916
The talk will be undertaken using the 'Zoom' software which is freely available. It may not be necessary to load the software to your PC / iPad etc: but we would recommend doing so if you wish to participate in this event.