Matthew Richardson (5)

Eyewitness on the Somme 1916 – A Fitting Memorial

Matthew Richardson has researched and written Eyewitness on the Somme 1916 a book that is a fitting tribute to those that were there. This is a soldiers account of the Battle that started in July 1916 and lasted until the November, people often remember the 1st July and forget that it went on longer than most people remember.

Matthew Richardson has not just written from the point of view of the English, but of the Germans, members of the show more Commonwealth (Empire) forces and the French Colonial forces such as the Senegalese forces. What Richardson does do is remind the reader that The Somme Offensive was a compromise, that was born out of the realities of a coalition war and the need to relieve the pressure on the French forces at Verdun.

Taking the reader from the planning stage, through to when the Battle began and beyond, using the words of the men, as well as pictures and maps. We see through the letters of those to family back home such as a French Lieutenant who described the Somme as “…… a horrible flat country,” which clearly did not bode well for the forthcoming battle.

We also learn that in the barrage that began in advance of the British attack a German machine gunner describes who they were dazed from the week long onslaught. There are also pictures of German Soldiers who are sat below in their dugouts waiting for the bombardment to stop. What does come across is how well prepared the Germans were compared to the Allied forces.

Many men died during the course of the Battle from British football players but also American poet Alan Seeger, who served with the French Foreign Legion. Seeger’s friend Rif Baer goes on to describe the battle and how the poet gave his life and stating that Seeger was “perfectly happy” to be part of the battle.

Over the pages of this wonderful book, a short book that packs so much in over the pages it is a delight and an honour to read and share. Reading the haunting words of those that were there bring the Battle back to life from the bad weather, the bombardments, failed attacks and at times the lack of resources.

Matthew Richardson has written a haunting but brilliant book that remembers that the battle lasted more than one day and covers it in detail. An excellent book that brings long lost voices back to life and reminds us that these were ordinary men on both sides committed to what they were doing. It is easy to look at The Somme with some detachment today, but they gave their lives and were proud to do so, something that has been forgotten today. show less