100 years ago Today - The Somme

[al**bear]

My Grandad and His friends went over the Top at Thiepval wood. They fought their way to their objective and then kept going, sweeping the Germans before them. The 36th Ulster Division & Brave Irishmen from ALL over Ireland, stood Victorious well into German territory, trouble was, they were alone, with Germans in front and to their left and right. The Grimsby pals had ran into very stiff opposition and had ground to a halt with many dead and Injured to their right and the Canadian Newfoundlanders had suffered a similar fate to their left with massive loses, meaning the 36th were alone.

So later these Men, who had suffered grieviously to Win their ground had to fight their way all the way back again to their own lines. A tenth of all the allies deaths that Day, came from the 36th, it is the darkest day of Remembrance in Ulster and many places in the South.

4  VCs, were awarded to men of the 36th that Day

The land they took that day, including the Schwaben Redoubt.  Did not fall again to the Allies until September.

The Ulster Tower

Just one Divisions story of that Day 

[evoman3957]

It was just horrendous and even with the things we've seen since, it still stretches our imagination to breaking point.  One likes to think that respect for human life has evolved a lot since then and that lessons had been learned, but the evolution of civilization and it's social attitudes; has not reached ALL places in equal measure. As well as remembering all those who died, the human race should hang its head in shame; at letting them do so.  Sometimes, in life, sorry is just not good enough and if you even suspect; that you might be THAT sorry over doing something..........don't do it.

[cee-dee]

It's easy to be wise after the event but several things contributed to that debacle.

The first was British arrogance (on the part of "those in charge") who thought we were invincible.

The second was that the Germans knew we were coming, where and at what time (because their field intelligence was better than ours).

Thirdly, the idiotic strategy of ancient warfare folowed by "those in charge" by continuing to send men "over the top" when, after a short time it was quite clear they were going to be mowed down with machine guns.

Still, it's right that all those who died should be commemorated as they are being.

[soppysofty]

Looking at the world today and especially our own country I mourn that these brave men died in vain.

We hold 'wonderful ceremonies' to commemorate their 'achievments' and then cannot even look after our own poor and needy.

And so far as running the country is concerned..........

Maybe these politicians, bigwigs and other notables should look at the legacy they are creating before daring to demean the memory of those who lost their lives fighting for a freedom that is so abused and a country that is now a mere bartering chip in the name of big business and wealth.

Why have we got it so wrong?

Forgive us for the way we have wasted your efforts and tarnished your memories!