German dead in a front line trench, 15 September 1916

Photograph, World War One, Western Front (1914-1918), 1916.

This photograph was taken during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette on the Somme. To assist the six divisions involved in the attack, tanks were deployed for the first time. They would lead the assault, destroying strong-points and allow the infantry behind to push on and secure their objectives. Prior to Zero Hour a number failed to reach the start through breakdowns and some were unable to pass beyond it.

When the attack commenced, only 15 were able to move into no-mans land. These machines made a great impact on the Bavarian troops facing them, many of which were terrified, and a few tanks were able to advance far into the enemy defences. These were gradually reduced in number by breakdowns and enemy action. Flers and Courcelette were captured, but a total breakthrough eluded the attackers.

From an album of 49 official war photographs.