The Battle of the Somme was the largest battle of the First World War and one of the most harrowing in human history. It was fought between July 1 and November 18, 1916, and saw more than one million people killed or wounded.
The first day on the Somme was, in terms of casualties, the worst 24 hours throughout the existence of the British Army with more than 57,000 casualties. Britain’s troops in action featured the remains of the regular army, the Territorials and a force of volunteer recruits including many Pals Battalions of neighbours and workmates.
Among the Pals participants was the 17th (Service) Battalion, an infantry battalion of the Middlesex Regiment.