Somme facts for kids
Somme is a name that can mean a few different things, but it's most famous for a river in France and a very important battle that happened there during World War I.
What is the Somme?
The word "Somme" often refers to a beautiful river in northern France. This river flows into the English Channel. The area around the river is also called the Somme, and it's a department (like a state or province) in France.
The Somme River
The Somme River is about 245 kilometers (152 miles) long. It starts near a town called Fonsomme and flows west, passing through cities like Amiens, before reaching the sea. The river's name comes from a Celtic word meaning "tranquility," which describes its calm waters. There's also a canal that runs alongside parts of the river, used for boats and shipping.
The Somme Department
The Somme department is a region in northern France. It's known for its green countryside, small villages, and historical sites. Agriculture is a big part of life here, with many farms growing crops.
The Battle of the Somme
One of the most well-known things about the Somme is the terrible Battle of the Somme, which took place during World War I. This battle was fought by the British and French armies against the German army. It lasted for many months in 1916.
Why the Battle Happened
The battle was planned to relieve pressure on the French army, who were fighting a very tough battle at Verdun. The British and French hoped to break through the German lines and end the war more quickly.
Key Events of the Battle
The Battle of the Somme started on July 1, 1916. The first day was one of the worst in British military history, with huge numbers of soldiers killed or wounded. The fighting continued until November 1916. Soldiers faced very difficult conditions, including muddy trenches, barbed wire, and constant shelling. New weapons like tanks were used for the first time during this battle, though they were not very effective at first.
After the Battle
Even though the battle lasted for months and involved millions of soldiers, neither side gained much land. It was a very costly battle for all involved, with huge numbers of casualties (soldiers killed, wounded, or missing). The Battle of the Somme is remembered as one of the deadliest battles in human history.
Today, there are many memorials and cemeteries in the Somme region to honor the soldiers who fought there. The Somme American Cemetery and Memorial is one such place, remembering American soldiers. There's also the Somme Heritage Centre, which helps people learn about the battle and its history.
Other Meanings of Somme
- Somme is the title of a book about the First World War.
- The Somme is a British documentary film from 1927 about the battle.
- The Somme – From Defeat to Victory is a BBC TV documentary about the battle.
- There have also been ships named Somme, like the French tanker Somme and HMS Somme (1918), a British warship.
- Somme, Queensland is a small place in Australia.
