A programme to commemorate the 70th anniversary of one of the great battles of the First World War.
The first day of the Battle of the Somme - 1 July 1916 - was the worst day in British military history.
In less than 24 hours 60,000 British soldiers became casualties, and nearly 20,000 of them died. The battle dragged on for another four-and-a-half months.
It turned a gracious part of northern France into a landscape like the moon's. It produced anger and cynicism, but also incredible gallantry and courage. During the battle 1,200,000 British,
French and Germans were killed or wounded. The story is told by Leo McKern.
A worthy and moving memorial to the bloodiest battle in our history
(YORKSHIRE POST)
A devastating documentary
' (SUNDAY TIMES)
Historical consultant MARTIN MIDDLEBROOK
Film editor LES NEWMAN Written and produced by MALCOLM BROWN