Ancestor's Footsteps: The Somme 1916

Andrew Rawson

Aug 2016 · Pen and Sword

About this ebook

This book answers one of biggest unanswered questions asked by visitors to the Somme; where did my ancestor fight? The combination of First World War battle accounts and annotated trench maps throughout this book, explains exactly what happened and where, and indexed orders of battle give the reader a quick reference to locate individual units.But the book goes further than this as carefully chosen viewpoints, which are practical for anyone exploring in a car, have been suggested. They give the visitor different perspectives of the ground where their ancestors fought and died; and in many cases are buried in an unmarked grave.There is useful information on the structure of the British Army and the weapons, equipment and uniforms the men used. Information on the different methods of attacks used, the development of tactics and life in the trenches is also included. As well as this, there is a guide to the key cemeteries, memorials and museums the visitor should consider seeing to complete a visit.This book will help the casual visitor walk in their ancestors footsteps across the Somme battlefield. It will also guide the regular visitor across different areas of the battlefield, away from the popular points, and help all visitors accomplish the rewarding experience of connecting the battles of the past with the terrain of today.

About the author

Andrew Rawson is a freelance writer who has written over forty books covering many conflicts. They include eight books for Pen & Swords ‘Battleground Europe series and three reference books for The History Presss ‘Handbook series. One covered all aspects of the British Army in the First World War. He has recently completed a ten part series on the British Expeditionary Forces battles on the Western Front. He has a masters history degree with Birmingham University.