Day Thirty Four on the Somme

Thursday 3rd August 1916 From our Correspondent in the Field

Today 17th (Northern) Division has taken up the challenge of trying to capture Delville Wood. The place is a seen of devastation to those who have seen it at close hand – a bewildering mesh of shattered trees, dogged undergrowth, shell holes, barbed wire, trenches and dead bodies. A little of this vileness can be glimpsed through field glasses when the situation is “quiet”.

The fighting today has been marked by the same qualities as on previous days: brave attackers, stubborn defenders, frustration and futility. Nevertheless the fight will go on until the whole devastated place is in our hands.