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British tanks attacking, Somme, September 1916
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British tanks attacking, Somme, September 1916
British tanks attacking, Somme, France, September 1916, by Louis Dauphin (1885-1926). Date: 1916
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Media ID 14148509
© David Cohen Fine Art/Mary Evans Picture Library
Attack Attacking Dauphin Somme Tank Tanks
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This evocative image captures the raw power and chaos of the British Army's first large-scale use of tanks in battle during the Somme Offensive in September 1916. In the photograph, taken by renowned French war correspondent and photographer Louis Dauphin, a line of Mark I tanks advances through a cloud of smoke and dust, their massive treads churning up the muddy ground as they approach the German trenches. The tanks, nicknamed "land battleships," were intended to break through enemy lines and provide much-needed support for infantry advances. The Somme campaign, which lasted from July to November 1916, was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of World War I, with over one million casualties on both sides. The use of tanks marked a significant turning point in the war, as they proved to be effective in breaching enemy defenses and paving the way for ground gains. Despite their initial success, the tanks in this attack suffered heavy losses, with many being destroyed or disabled before reaching their objectives. The smoke seen in the photograph is likely from the explosions of German artillery shells, which were aimed at the advancing tanks. This powerful image offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of trench warfare and the innovative military tactics employed during World War I. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides during the Western Front's long and brutal conflict.
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