Thiepval Wood from no man's land.

[Clook]

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At 7.30am on 1st July 1916 my Great Grandfather left the bulk of his equipment in these woods and advanced across this land behind an artillery barrage to storm the Schwaben Redout, Thiepval, France along with his countrymen of the 36th Ulster Division. By the end of the day 9 Victoria Crosses had been won and 5500 men lost. The following day the Division was 'Removed from the line.' My Grandfather passed away peacefully in Belfast in 1976 surrounded by his family. Standing here and surveying the scene for my self I can't for the life of me figure out how he survived!

[pauledell]

Clook,

 

A stunning picture that comes alive upon reading your narrative. How peaceful it looks now compared to when the battle was fought.

 

Paul

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[doolittle]

Amazing to think that you wouldn't have been around to take that photograph if your Great Grandfather didn't make it. Thanks for sharing your story.

[earleygallery]

Poignant image.