John,

I did not realise it but yesterday was the first day, 85 years ago, of the offensive barrage that was the start of the (first) Battle of the Somme. As the soldiers "went over the top" at 0730hrs on 01 July 1916, I guess we will see something in the media for the 85th anniversary. My books describe a hell on earth!

Helen, if you need anything more, please contact me separately, but all I can give you is the description of the battle which lasted, through several terrible phases, for months. My book also records the first deployment of tanks in the area on or around 15 Sep 1916, without much success. By that time, 200,000 British troops were dead or injured. The 9th must have been in the thick of it - but my book does not mention them. Luckily, my GGF was an ambulance driver and survived, at least until damaged lungs gave out.

jmcmenemy@hotmail.com

James