Off to the Somme in April so keen to look at the Royal Artillery aspects of the Battles, and in particular the role in the preliminary bombardment.

The Battle of the Somme saw the largest number of Artillery guns and howitzers in the war so far, however the 12 mile (19km) frontage meant the concentration was less than previous Battles. According to Farndale's , History of the Royal Regiment of Artillery Western Front 1914 - 1918, the artillery power available for the Somme amounted to 1,010 field guns and howitzers, 182 heavy guns, 245 heavy howitzers and an additional 100 French guns and howitzers. A total of 1,537 guns. In the preparatory bombardment, the British artillery would fire more than 1.5 million shells, exceeding the total number of shells fired by the British Army in the first twelve months of the war. A further quarter of a million shells would be fired on the day of the attack.

Despite all the efforts and losses of the Gunners, the effect of Artillery along the battle lines varied, and the consequences were reflected in the casualties of the Infantry.

General infirmation: First Day of the Somme

As ever Pals contributions and expertise will be invaluable:

Long Long Trail The British artillery bombardment before the Somme

Topic Artillery on the Somme

Topic Equipment of RGA Batteries summer 1916

Topic Artillery - Serviceability of Guns

Topic Wirecuttng on the Somme

Alan MacDonalds excellent site on Gommecourt

British Field Artillery

British Siege and Heavy Artillery

Gommecourt - The Bombardment

An interesting video.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjRMbmf0pCg