109 years ago this afternoon (29 Dec 1915) Reserve Infantry Regiment 110 raided 6th Northampton Reg at Fricourt capturing 13 prisoners. For the British it was a disaster many lessons were learnt amidst claims of cowardice, but the incident brought about an improvement to defensive procedures.

109 years ago this evening 6 Dec 1915 1st Cheshires raided Mametz West Craters Somme. 3 officers & 50 ORs bombed along trenches to the German support line capturing 1 prisoner & inflicted many casualties. 1 MC & 3 DCM were awarded. See Volume 2 www.zerohourzday.com

Rare 1915/16 map showing German burials & cemeteries in and around Fricourt, Somme. The yellow box indicates the current Fricourt German Cemetery.

A very clear picture of Hawthorn Redoubt

Some light weekend reading has just arrived. I may be some time.... @zero-hour-z-day.bsky.social

17 Jan 1916, 174 Tunnelling Coy blew a 15,000lbs mine at Bois Francais, Somme. 7 Bedfords ordered to gain the crater sent 2 bombing sections around the flanks while others dug to & consolidated the near side. After fighting for several hours the line was advanced 34-yards. Vol2 Zero Hour Z Day