GREATWAR-L Archives

Archiver > GREATWAR > 2001-07 > 0994087526


From: "Grant Ancell" <>
Subject: Re: [WW1] Somme - 85 Years on
Date: Mon, 2 Jul 2001 08:25:26 -0700
References: <002101c1020f$17180660$778a01d5@default>


A great Uncle of mine 2/Lt Eric Guest Ancell, was killed at the Somme on
19th October 1916, some 28 days after he arrived in France. Eric was just 20
years old.

I am currently researching his history and intend to visit the battleground
where he died within the next few years.

Grant Ancell

----- Original Message -----
From: Claire <>
To: <>
Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2001 2:20 AM
Subject: [WW1] Somme - 85 Years on


> Hello all
>
> Just a short message to acknowledge the 85th anniversary of the first day
of
> the Battle of The Somme.
>
> The action that seems to epitomise all that was hideous, mismanaged and
> pointless about the Great War, and has thus shaped the way the war has
been
> viewed since, began on this day in 1916, by the end of which British
> casualties total in excess of 57,000, making it the greatest loss suffered
> by the British army in a single day.
>
> The battles continue until mid November and British casualites for the
Somme
> offensive total 420,000 - and of course in the meantime other theatres and
> other areas of the Western Front were adding to that figure.
>
> I am sure that very very many of our members have a particular interest in
> this Battle, having uncovered the loss of grandfathers, great uncles and
> distanct cousins in the meat grinder of this battle. It seems a suitable
> day to reflect. Any messages on this subject welcome.
>
> Claire Baldwin
> Suffolk, UK
> Listowner GREATWAR-L
>
>
> ______________________________

This thread: