Western Front And The Somme

Question 1

Battle of Somme was fought in

Answer 1

1916

Question 2

General Haig was under pressure from

Answer 2

The UK government to attack the Germans

Question 3

The power of defensive fire was greater than

Answer 3

The attacking fire

Question 4

Why did the British lose

Answer 4

British infantry were new volunteers lacked military experiences and training.
Tanks were poorly managed they were spread over a wide area so their impact was limited.
Haig refused to listen to younger generals who suggested for new tactics such as making a series of smaller gains which could be consolidated
British artilery barrage failed.The defences in No Man’s land remained intact.
Didin’t change strategy after earlier infantry attacks were unsuccessful

Question 5

Why did the Germans succeed

Answer 5

Surprise was lostas the artillery barrage signalled an attack was about to start.
The German trench system was strong and deep.12 lines of parallel trenches and dugouts including useful tunnels
Power of defense was too strong machine guns rifles and artillery cut down soldiers as they advanced.

Question 6

Creeping barrage of artillery led the infantry to advance.120,000 infantry went over the top

Answer 6

20,000 British infantry killed in first day and 40,000 injured or captured