MEETING held on June 5 at Plymouth Court, Headless Cross, Redditch.

Historical anniversaries this month: Gettysburg 1863; Sicily Invasion 1943; and Shrewsbury 1403, where Harry Hotspur was killed and future Henry 5th wounded by an arrow up his nose.

Members David Fox and Pauline Stroud presented an overview of the 1916 Somme Offensive.

Pauline gave a profile of Haig and explained the politics surrounding Kitchener; French and Haig which finally left Haig to see the battle through, how the British Expeditionary Force at Mons in 1914 (nicknamed the ‘Old Contemptables’ by the Kaiser) had practically ceased to exist after fierce fighting and how Lord Kitchener immediately called for 100,000 men for his New Armies. These were to fight at Gallipoli, Salonica and Western Front.

David explained how the Somme, (July 1 to September 26) had evolved from French demands for the British to take German pressure off the Verdun defenders.

Due to time restraint we only covered the first day’s fighting at Albert and the later Battles of Atrittion, which saw the tank’s debut.

David explained how the huge number of casualties were handled by inadequet dressing stations and hospital trains but how the lessons learnt by the British Army made it the most effective and professional army in the world by 1919.

Pauline closed by reviewing the post-war attitudes towards Haig (his funeral route being lined by thousands of ex-servicemen); his sponsorship of the British Legion; Remembrance Day and how his wife founded the Poppy Factory in Edinburgh Next open meeting is Wednesday, August 7 and will be the previously cancelled Life and Death of H.M.S Hood. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start. (Normal £3 door charge applies) Contact Ron Gallivan on 01527 545450 or e-mail ronnieg33b@hotmail.co.uk.