WALES AND THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME The Battle of the Somme has become synonymous with suffering, and the appalling British Army casualty figure of the first day of fighting on 1 July 1916 (57,470 casualties, including 19,240 fatalities). The fighting continued for five months with over 1,300,000 soldiers on both sides becoming casualties, and it is often portrayed as representing the futility of the First World War. Twenty-seven Welsh battalions took part in this colossal undertaking, which was launched after months of meticulous planning, training and preparation. In addition to the men who served in the Welsh regiments, Welshmen also served in other regiments of the British Army and other branches of service. Welsh women also served in the Somme sector as nurses, drivers and as canteen staff. As a result, few towns and villages in Wales were unaffected by the terrible events of those five months. An unknown officer described the last moments of 2nd Lieutenant Alan Sheriff Roberts, age 20, an officer in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. ‘We found under trees and bushes many a boy who had lost all hope of being found, and who had settled down in that desolate spot to die. In one corner, at the foot of a tree, we found Roberts. From his wounds I could see at once that we could do nothing for him. I got down, undid his collar, took off his cap and put my hand on his clear forehead. Feeling a touch, he opened his eyes, and recognising me smiled faintly, and murmured in a gentle voice, “Captain.” In a hopeless way I tried to do something for him, but he wanted nothing. He was in terrific pain, but he looked so mysteriously calm. The precious breath was getting fainter and fainter whilst his face became brighter and brighter, developing at the last a clearness that was well-nigh unearthly.’
Right: Second Lieutenant Alan Sheriff Roberts, Royal Welsh Fusiliers © Dr Jonathan Hicks
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| CYMRU’N COFIO WALES REMEMBERS 1914−1918
