Damian Lucjan in INSTANT ARTICLESMEDIAWorld War 2

17 Haunting Coloured Pictures From the WW1 Battle of the Somme

The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, was one of the bloodiest battles in WWI. During the first day alone, 1st July 1916, there were roughly 60,000 casualties.

After one month one million were killed or wounded on both sides. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank.

During the Battle of the Somme thousands of pictures were taken, but here we present to you 34 chosen ones, including 17 colorized.

‘A Boche prisoner, wounded and muddy, coming in on the 13th.’ Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

‘Some jolly gunners and their pet.’ Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

‘Open air cookery in a steel helmet near Miraumont-le-Grand.’ Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

‘Commander explaining the capture of Thiepval to H.M. from the top of the Thiepval Chateau.’ Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

‘Artillerymen outside dugouts.’ Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

‘Their home on the Somme.’ Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

‘In the track of the Hun. The first of our men to cross the Somme, near Peronne.’ Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

‘Artillery stripped trees and a signboard pointing the way for pack transport’. Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

‘Horse laden with trench boots on the Somme Front.’ Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

‘Clearing the way for our advancing troops.’ Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

Original notes found with the photos above have been included as captions.

German soldier from the 2nd Battalion.

British sentry going up to his post near Beaumont Hamel. July 1916.

British troops coming out of the trenches near Guillemont. 27 November 1916.

Soldiers in trenches. July 1916.

A German soldier with a telephone wire drum in shell ruined and deserted city. July 1916.

Howitzers of the Royal Garrison Artillery.

Canadians returning from the trenches. The Somme, November 1916.

Next Read: 5 Fascinating Facts About America’s Most Successful WWI Fighter Ace, Edward Rickenbacker »

Damian Lucjan: Damian is a history geek that’s working for War History Online for almost a decade. He can talk about the history and its chain of events for hours and is 100% legit fun at parties. Aside of history, geography and etymology of all things are no less exciting for him! An avid video game player, meme distributor, and your comment section moderator all in one. Mythologies of all cultures are fascinating to him, Greek, Nordic, Slavic - you name it, and he’s in! In his spare time, assuming he has some left, he gives it all to his family, enjoying morning walks, a good book, an exciting FPS, and a long nap…or a few. Definitely a cat person.

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