Visit my store at null On July 1st, 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme began. The British sent thousands of soldiers over the tops of the trenches to take the German positions on the opposite side. The Germans, however, knew the attack was coming and were very well prepared. The advancing British were quickly cut down by rifles, machine guns, and artillery. Although some of the British were able to break through the German lines, the majority were unsuccessful. Altogether, the British suffered 57,000 casualties making it the bloodiest day in their history to this day. The Battle of the Somme would go on for another four months and claim the lives of thousands more. animated by Jordan Durrenberger music from AudioNetwork sounds from Freesound.org and Pond5.com Inspired by the 'Battle of the Somme scene' from War Horse.