Battle of the Somme Graphic Novel
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THE BATTLE OF THE The story of William McFadzean VC 9 781910 341056 Key Stage Two Learning Resource GLOSSARY Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) Shells An armed force raised in 1913 A form of projectile ammunition, to resist the implementation of which contained an explosive, used Home Rule in Ireland, by force if throughout the First World War. necessary. Members of the UVF were Ahead of the Battle of the Somme, recruited into the British Army, British forces attempted to shell during the First World War, the German lines and destroy wire making it easier for soldiers Home Rule to cross. Home Rule was an attempt to grant Tr e n c h f o o t self-government to Ireland, whilst remaining a part of the United Caused when feet were exposed to Kingdom. Many Irish Nationalists damp, cold and unsanitary conditions were in favour of Home Rule while for long periods of time in trenches. Unionists were fearful that it Feet would become numb and swollen would create a Dublin-based Irish and could become infected. parliament. Over the top 36th (Ulster) Division A term used to describe the The Division was largely made up advancement of British forces as of members of the Ulster Volunteer they made their way out of the Force who fought on the Western Front for the British Army. Their involvement is associated with the Mills Bombs Battle of the Somme where they were A type of grenade widely used in the top’ of the trenches. War, and adopted by the British Front line Army as its standard hand grenade. This is the position an armed Vi c t o r i a C ro s s force will move to ahead of their involvement in a battle. The highest military decoration possible, the Victoria Cross is Shell shock awarded for valour, bravery and Shell shock was a reaction by some soldiers to the harsh reality of introduced in 1856 and is presented battle. Many men suffered panic, to the recipient or their next bouts of fear and an inability to of kin. walk and talk properly as a result of the condition. BATTLE OF THE SOMME Background... A series of events led to the outbreak 1 Many Britons were enthusiastic of the First World about the war and hundreds of War in 1914. Finally, a German 2 thousands rushed to join the advance into Belgium in early August led Britain over in just a few months. to declare war against Germany on August 4, 1914. Men from Ireland fought for In Ireland, members of the a number of reasons: for 4 patriotism, adventure and to 3 and the Irish Volunteers defend small countries. Others largely enlisted in Divisions fought because it meant three square meals a day and pay. The reality of the war was harsh and brutal trench warfare. Divisions. Over 200,000 men from British and French forces faced German Ireland participated over the course troops across an area of northern of the war. France known as the Western Front. The Division made On July 1, 1916, over 15,000 good progress 6 but faced a great 5 Division went into battle struggle against at the Somme, an area where the Germans. Before being German forces held a lot of high relieved on the morning of ground and had built better trenches. Division recorded over Division led a charge over the top of 5,500 men dead, wounded the trenches and into German lines. or taken prisoner. The Battle of the Somme marked A few weeks later, on a turning point for Britain 8 in the First World War and the 7 assault on the village of Guillemont. Although achieving a until the bitter end eventually led to victory in taking back the village, of German surrender in November 1918, the 2,400 men who began the battle, although victorious Britain had suffered over 1,100 were killed or wounded. three million casualties and deaths. .