The Somme

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What to expect

Between 1 July and 18 November 1916 Britain's new volunteer army took the leading role in a battle on the Western Front for the first time.

The Somme offensive was intended to achieve a decisive victory for the British and French Allies over the Germans, yet the Allies failed to achieve all of their objectives and the war was to continue for another two years. Over a million men from both sides became casualties in the long and bitter struggle on the Somme in 1916.

This audiobook tells this story through the unique collections of IWM. Using artefacts, medals, documents, interviews, film, art, and photographs, it reconstructs not only the history of the famous battle, but provides an intimate insight into the experiences of those who were there.

(P)2021 Headline Publishing Group Limited

Critics Review

  • Few other novels of the war describe the grinding claustrophobia, violence and lethal danger of being in a tank crew with the stark vividness of Peter Elstob. It’s possible to almost smell the fumes and sweat, while the intimate detail of operating such a beast and the camaraderie of the crew are utterly compelling. This is a forgotten classic that deserves to be read and read.

    James Holland, Historian, author and TV Presenter

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