Neil McLennan: The importance of remembering the Somme

Description

One hundred years ago men all along the Somme front line woke to the summer sun and prepared letters and last thoughts before going into battle. Many were confident and assured, although, despite artillery bombardments on German lines giving weight to commanders' assurances, many waited in trepidation at "going over the top".

Their trepidation was well placed as the darkest day of British military history dawned in contrast to the bright glow on French farmlands. Beyond a nation's grief it was a symbolic catastrophe of civilisation