The British planned to attack on a 15 mile front north of the Somme. The attack had been preceded by an eight-day bombardment of the German lines - thought sure to secure the rapid British advance.

The expectation was that the intensity of the bombardment would entirely destroy all German defences leaving depleted and dazed German troops, enabling the advancing British infantry to practically walk across No Man’s Land and take the German front line.

However, unconcealed preparations for the assault and the week-long onslaught gave the Germans clear warning of the planned attack. At 7.30am on 1 July 1916, as whistles blew to signal the start of the British attack, the Germans left their bunkers to set up their positions. As the British infantry advanced towards the enemy lines, the German machine guns began to fire and the slaughter of our troops began.

On Saturday 1st July Newhaven Fort is proud to host its Brothers in Arms event to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The gates will open at 10:30am and will feature a programme of special events throughout the day.

At midday a ‘Brothers in Arms’ lecture will be given by World War I enthusiast and historian Andrew Denley, detailing the Battle of the Somme.

The Croix de Lorraine re-enactment society will be on site dressed in army uniforms and will be providing a display of WWI artefacts and fire arms of the period.

A special exhibition looking at the role the British West Indian, Chinese and other Commonwealth soldiers played during WWI will be available in the school room and has been organised in partnership with Black History.

Vintage military vehicles will also be on display in the parade ground featuring 1920’s to 1930’s cars and motorbikes.

For further information, please call Newhaven Fort direct on 01273 517622 http://www.newhavenfort.org.uk/

ENDS

For further press information, please contact Serena Costello on 01273 484194.