The centenary of the Battle of the Somme to be commemorated later this week

The Battle of the Somme was a major World War I battle where German and Allied forces faced off in northern France. Despite extensive planning and a massive artillery barrage, the offensive faced significant challenges. A mine explosion by the Royal Engineers had limited impact, and the battle resulted in heavy casualties, with 57,000 Commonwealth soldiers affected on the first day alone. The battle continued for five months, leaving a lasting legacy with memorials like the Thiepval arch commemorating the fallen.

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