Views from the Shine Mametz and Tirpitz Trench RIR109 machine gun postions. From page 402 Zero Hour Z Day vol II

Period panoramic view and three ground relief studies. For detailed info see volume II of Zero Hour Z Day https://t.co/U418L8BMLb

This well-known photo taken at Mametz on 1 July 1916 was always a mystery. Who are the advancing troops? After a long analysis and process of elimination I believe they are A or C Coys 2nd Queen’s.

The raids supporting bombarded also scored a lucky hit on the 10th Essex Bn HQ signal dugout. A roof beam crushed the CO Lt Col Jasper Fitzgerald Radcliffe DSO killing him. He is buried in Becourt Mil Cem. #Somme #WW1 #History

Also connected to the RIR109 raid is this photo from their regimental history. Red Cross records listed all 12 British POWs, which included one L/Cpl. The photo shows the raiders and 7 of their prisoners. Only one is a L/Cpl and so probably Edward Sharp from Plaistow.

Two more images of the RIR109 raid. Annotated period German aerial photo and sketch from the original post raid report.

It’s a lovely autumn day on the Somme Battlefields

Dark clouds hovering over Mametz Wood as the poppies dance in the breeze.

A mass of poppies on the Somme Battlefield. Very close to Casino Point, with Pommiers Redoubt in the distance.

Bernard Maes of Fricourt Farm proudly showed me some of the recent finds on his land. A very nice and interesting man who is always happy to talk about his land and the Great War. #Sommebattlefield

Walking the Somme: Ancre Valley. The latest episode of my podcast ⁦@OldFrontLinePod⁩ now on ⁦@ApplePodcasts⁩. #WW1 #Somme

Trones Wood with its dense undergrowth, fallen branches, shattered tree stumps all entangled with barbed wire and strewn with German and British dead made an altogether ghastly scene. On the eighth attack the wood was finally captured by men of the 18th Division.

The 18th Division Memorial, Trones Wood. Many trees have been felled to stop the spread of disease.

A sizeable collection of iron harvest on the Somme Battlefield. Although the farmer has an extensive farm he has decided to pile the live munitions next to the farm house 🙈

The Victoria Cross was awarded 51 times for actions during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. 33 of the men survived the war.

Langemark (originally spelt Langemarck) German Military Cemetery which is often described as being a sombre and sometimes a stark cemetery especially in winter. I like its natural feel.

Another photo opportunity on today’s trail run around the Somme Battlefields. This Mills bomb was sat on top of a tree stump on the edge of High Wood.

An interesting special memorial in Martinpuich Communal Cemetery. Dedicated to Able Seaman J Wilkinson who died on 25th March 1918.

This twisted rusty picket is in the vicinity of Desire Trench on the Somme Battlefield. A real indicator of where the trench was located all those years ago!

Ancre British Cemetery originally 517 burials almost all of the 63rd (Naval) and 36th Divisions. There are now 2,540 Commonwealth casualties of the FWW buried or commemorated in the cemetery. 1,335 of the graves are unidentified. @CWGC