As events take place to commemorate the beginning of the Battle of the Somme, we look at how the first day unfolded
Andrew MacDonald
16:03, 30 Jun 2016Updated 08:22, 01 Jul 2016
July 1916: Battle of Albert the opening phase of the Battle of the Somme. Our Picture Shows British troops in a communication trench before an attack(Image: Mirrorpix)
A staggering 22,000 men lost their lives on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916.
The largest battle of the First World War would continue until November, with Allied and German forces locked in a bloody, muddy stalemate as the daily death toll rose.
It would go on to become the bloodiest battle in history, with more than a million soldiers wounded or killed.
Britain alone lost 794,238 troops.
READ MORE: Haunting colour pictures hit home misery of life on front line during Battle of the Somme in WWIAs events take place all over Britain and Europe to commemorate the centenary of the battle's commencement, historian and author Andrew MacDonald breaks down how the first day's events unfolded.
- First Day of the Somme by Andrew MacDonald is published by HarperCollins and available to buy now priced £15.99 .