The Battle of The Somme (film) - Content

Content

The Battle of the Somme is a black and white silent film divided into five parts, with individual sequences divided by intertitles summarising their contents. The first part shows the preparations for battle behind the British frontline; sequences include troops marching towards the front, French peasants continuing their farm work in rear areas, the stockpiling of munitions, General Beauvoir De Lisle addressing the 29th Division, and some of the preparatory artillery bombardment. The second part depicts further preparations, troops moving into the frontline trenches, the intensification of the artillery barrage, and the detonation of the Hawthorn Ridge Mine. Part Three begins with the launch of the assault on 1st July 1916, and shows the recovery of British wounded and German prisoners. The fourth part shows further scenes of British and German wounded, the clearing of the battlefield, and some of the aftermath. The final part shows further scenes of physical devastation, including the ruins of the village of Mametz, British troops at rest, and preparations for the next stage of the advance.