The Somme: From DEFEAT TO VICTORY 17 March 2016

Location: Stapleford Granary - 19.30 | £8

with Colonel Alain Chissel

The battle of the Somme, fought from 1 July until 20 November 1916, was one of the turning points of WWI.

The old regular Army had by now virtually disappeared, casualties had been horrendous, and the realisation that the war would not be over by Christmas led to Kitchener’s famous appeal for volunteers. The Somme was to be their battle, “The Big Push” that was intended to break through the German lines and bring victory in 1916.

The lecture is designed to look at that terrible first day but also to see how the British Army learnt lessons and turned defeat on 1 July to eventual victory in 1918.

Alain will be joined by historian Ed Church with his collection of WWI equipment and uniforms.

Artist/speaker: Alain Chissel

FURTHER INFO

Alain Chissel formed Anglia Battlefield Tours after a 30-year career in the Army. Having been commissioned into the Queen’s Regiment, he commanded a Royal Anglian Battalion and retired as Deputy Commander of 49 (E) Brigade based in Chilwell in the rank of Colonel. Both of his grandfathers fought in WWI.