The Somme Offensive commenced on 1 July 1916, as Allied forces attacked German positions by the River Somme on the Western Front in France.

On the opening day of the battle, the British suffered 60,000 casualties – making it the worst day in the history of the British army.

Here is an upbeat newspaper report of the battle, which was published on the first day of the battle – also included is a map of the area where the battle took place.

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.