British War Medal

Product History

This medal was awarded to all members of the armed forces, 1914-18, in recognition of their arduous services in bringing the war to a successful conclusion. It was also awarded for service in Russia in 1919-20 and for mine clearance in the North Sea between 11th November 1918 and 30th November 1919.

Battle of the Somme (July - November 1916) was fought between British and German forces in Northern France. On 24th June 1916 the British started a massive bombardment of over 1.5 million shells. On July 1st the British bombardment moved onto the second German line and the British troops advanced from their trenches. They were met by German machine gunners that had emerged from their dugouts. They poured fire into the British troops who were walking shoulder to shoulder across 'no mans land'. By nightfall the British had lost 60,000 men, 19,000 of them dead. The battle of the Somme ended on the 18th November with the allies having gained only a few kilometres of mud.

COVER IMAGE - British troops prepare for the charge over the top at the Battle of the Somme.

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