Summary:British forces, chiefly 7th and 29th Divisions, on the first day of the Somme offensive, Western Front, 1 July 1916.
Description:The 'big battle' structure of the film opens with the preparatory bombardment for the days before the attack, the Infantry marching to their final positions, the attack itself, the casualties, prisoners and consolidation of the next few days as the attacking troops are withdrawn for rest. The bombardment, shown in the opening reels, is by a variety of guns from a giant 15-inch howitzer to trench mortars. The attack by 29th Division at Beaumont Hamel is shown, including the explosion of a mine under Hawthorn Redoubt. The remainder of the film shows the British and German wounded being treated at the Minden Post dressing station in 7th Division sector and the consolidation of captured German positions at Fricourt and Mametz. The British soldiers come out of the line to rest and they and their German prisoners retire to the rear.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:IWM 191
Sound:Silent
Access Conditions:IWM
Film: IWM (IWM 191)
Featured Period:1914-1918
Production Date:1916-08-11-1916-08-11
Production Country:GB
Production Details:War Office (Production sponsor)
British Topical Committee for War Films (Production company)
Jury, William F (Production individual)
Urban, Charles (Production individual)
Malins, Geoffrey H (Production individual)
Malins, Geoffrey H (Production individual)
McDowell, J B (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Silent
Title language: English
Subtitle language: English
Technical Details:35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 5
Footage: 4694 ft; Running time: 79 mins
