The Somme 1916: From Both Sides of the Wire

As the Battle of the Somme entered its second phase, the British continued to underestimate their enemy, argues historian Peter Barton in this thrillingly engaging series.
(Image credit: BBC/Steve Robinson)

As the Battle of the Somme entered its second phase, the British continued to underestimate their enemy, argues historian Peter Barton in this thrillingly engaging series

As the Battle of the Somme entered its second phase, the British continued to underestimate their enemy, argues historian Peter Barton in this thrillingly engaging series. The Germans once again displayed their tactical adaptability as they started using the craters created by British shells to their defensive advantage. And, unlike British military records, the German ones were honest, which let the enemy learn from their mistakes. For these reasons, Peter concludes that the Germans were able to shatter British hopes of a quick knockout blow.