Khaki Jack Posted 9 October , 2023 Share Posted 9 October , 2023 On the eve of the Battle of the Somme Divisional Commander, Major-General de Lisle, said: “To you has been set the most difficult task - that of breaking the hardest part of the enemy’s shell.” I'm looking for the complete speech (or at least more of it), can anyone help me please? Thanks IA. Stew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 9 October , 2023 Admin Share Posted 9 October , 2023 Welcome to the forum. I wonder if searching one of the Brigade War diaries would assist with your search? Diaries are free to download after free registration. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4555453 https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4555455 https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4555459 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khaki Jack Posted 9 October , 2023 Author Share Posted 9 October , 2023 Thanks Michelle, good idea. I was sort of hoping that someone might have a transcript to save me the legwork ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khaki Jack Posted 9 October , 2023 Author Share Posted 9 October , 2023 2 hours ago, Michelle Young said: Welcome to the forum. I wonder if searching one of the Brigade War diaries would assist with your search? Diaries are free to download after free registration. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4555453 https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4555455 https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4555459 I can’t seem to be able to access any of them :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 9 October , 2023 Admin Share Posted 9 October , 2023 You have to create an account at the NA to be able to access the diaries. Once done, you can download them for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 10 October , 2023 Admin Share Posted 10 October , 2023 Failing that, try the battalion war diaries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busterfield Posted 10 October , 2023 Share Posted 10 October , 2023 The speech is mentioned in. http://www.hughsebagmontefiore.com/somme_book.php I'm assuming there would be a reference to where he found it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khaki Jack Posted 10 October , 2023 Author Share Posted 10 October , 2023 Thanks all. I've now found the speech in full on one of Terry Whenham's excellent Tales from the Battlefield Podcast - that's where I originally heard it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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