The Battle of the Somme 1916: Developing the Offensive - July to Mid September

After the initial anticipation of great results for the Allied offensive that opened on 1 July, the French and the British had to consider their next moves. Haig made the fateful decision to reinforce perceived success at the center and south of the British line (although Joffre, rightly, wished to continue the pressure at Thiepval).

The result was a series of minor (if expensive) operations to provide a suitable base line for the next major British assault along the Bazentin Ridge, running ...