Table of Contents

Chapter 7. Deadly Offensives -- 1916

The third year of the First World War witnessed two of the most costly engagements in history. The tour covers each in detail. French General Philippe Petain became a national hero in organizing resistance during the battle of Verdun against the overwhelming forces launched by the Chief of the German General Staff, General Erich von Falkenhayn. Four separate locations on the Somme battlefield are toured describing the horrendous attacks by British troops commanded by General Douglas Haig against German entrenched positions. The locations commemorating a subsidiary action of Australian Expeditionary Force units against the Germans during the battle of Fromelles is also described.

#24 Battle of Verdun -- 21 February to 19 December 1916
#25 Somme Offensive -- 1 July to 18 November 1916
---- Battle of Beaumont - Hamel ¬-- 1 July to 13 November 1916
---- Battle of Thiepval -- 1 July to 9 October 1916
---- Battle of Pozières / Mouquet Ferme -- 23 July to 26 September 1916
---- Battle of Delville Wood -- 15 July to 4 September 1916
#26 Battle of Fromelles -- 19 to 20 July 1916