Visiting WWI BATTLE Tunnels UNDER The Somme

World War I was marked by horrific battles, and the Battle of the Somme, fought between July and November 1916, is one of the most infamous. While the Somme is primarily associated with the extensive trench warfare and staggering casualties, it is essential to recognize the crucial role played by underground warfare during this conflict. The subterranean battles that took place beneath the fields of Northern France demonstrated the soldiers' resourcefulness and innovation in the face of the challenges presented by traditional warfare.
The Battle of the Somme had reached a stalemate, with opposing forces entrenched in fortified positions along a network of trenches. This static warfare caused immense suffering and offered little chance for a breakthrough. Both sides sought alternative methods to break the deadlock, leading to the rise of underground warfare.
Tunneling became a key strategy employed by both the Allied and German forces. Initially, soldiers began by digging trenches to create defensive positions. However, as the need for mobility and offensive operations grew, the transition to tunneling became apparent. Mining units were established, comprised of skilled miners and engineers, responsible for digging tunnels towards enemy lines.
The mining process was dangerous and required utmost secrecy. Working in small teams, soldiers would dig tunnels with pickaxes and shovels, removing the excavated earth in sandbags to avoid detection. The tunnelers had to be cautious not to dig too close to enemy tunnels, as it could lead to deadly underground confrontations.
Technological advancements aided the mining efforts. Engineers developed listening devices to detect enemy tunnelling activities, allowing countermeasures to be taken. Tunnels were reinforced with timber frames and corrugated iron sheets to prevent collapses. Electric lighting and ventilation systems were installed to provide basic amenities in the subterranean network.
The competition between the opposing forces led to an underground arms race. Each side sought to undermine the other by planting mines beneath their enemy's positions. The detonation of these mines aimed to create chaos and disarray among the opposing ranks, allowing for a swift offensive. The most infamous incident of mining was the Battle of the Craters, where the British detonated a massive mine beneath the German lines, creating a vast crater that devoured soldiers and equipment.
The tunnels not only served as routes for surprise attacks but also as living quarters for the soldiers. Underground chambers provided relative safety from enemy artillery bombardment, and soldiers found respite from the constant shelling in these subterranean spaces. The tunnels formed a complex network, connecting different sectors and enabling communication between units. Telephone wires were laid, allowing soldiers to relay vital information and coordinate attacks.
Living conditions within the tunnels were challenging. The space was cramped and often infested with vermin. Soldiers endured the constant dampness, poor ventilation, and the pervasive stench of mud and decaying matter. The lack of proper sanitation facilities resulted in the spread of diseases like trench foot and dysentery.
Subterranean warfare also brought unique psychological challenges. Spending prolonged periods underground in darkness and isolation took a toll on the soldiers' mental well-being. The fear of tunnel collapses, cave-ins, and the constant threat of enemy forces added to their psychological burden. The confined spaces and the absence of daylight created a disorienting environment, amplifying the stress experienced by the soldiers.
The tunnels also became sites of intense combat. Surprise attacks were launched from the underground network, often catching the enemy off guard. Raiding parties would emerge from tunnels, wreak havoc in the enemy lines, and then swiftly retreat underground. The confined spaces of the tunnels necessitated hand-to-hand combat, leading to fierce and brutal clashes.
🔴 Subscribe for more comedy clips
www.youtube.co...
🔴 Share this video Visiting WWI Tunnels Under The Somme with a RUclips Friend
• Visiting WWI BATTLE Tu...
🔴 The service I used to get this video ranked so you would see it.
www.tubebuddy....
✅ Check out more about me and what I do
www.kevindurha...
Follow me
Instagram - / thekevindurham
Twitter - / thekevindurham
Facebook - / thekevindurham
For business inquiries contact me at [e-mail].