This
source consists of extracts from the war history of the 142nd (Durham)
Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. The Battery fought in various
sectors in the First World War and moved to the Somme in July 1916.
Read the source carefully to see what it tells us about what it was
like to fight in the Battle of the Somme. A transcript
and an enlarged version are
available.
Things
to consider.
1. What
are Marr's main concerns when they first arrive near Albert?
2. What
conditions do they face when they reach 'Sausage Valley'?
3. Marr
writes that his Battery was considered to be experienced but then states
that going to the line was new to them. Does this tell us anything about
the artillery's experience on fighting in the Somme?
4. After
reading this source and the previous source,
would you rather be in the artillery or the infantry? Explain your answer.
5. How
does this source add to our understanding of what it was like to fight
in the Battle of the Somme?
When you
have finished, move on to the next source to find out what happened
to 18 Durham Light Infantry.
