Party of Royal Irish Rifles in a communication trench on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916. Let’s take the battle in numbers and facts. In one hand, the German Empire had deployed at the end of the battle a total amount of 1,500,000, a total of 50 divisions. Approximately 500,000 soldiers perished, one third of the army present. On the other hand, the British Empire, with the support of the UK, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, India, Newfoundland, New Zealand, South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, gathered 1,530,000 also in 50 divisions. The French managed to send 1,440,000 soldiers in 48 divisions. The casualties in the British Army ascended to 420,000; while the French Army lost 200,000 of their men at arms.

01/07/1916