Podcast Talk: Arras to the Somme

[@malcolmstamp5004]

Such a fascinating talk, Paul. Even though I have immersed myself for decades in all things FWW I still learn so much from your talks, pods and vlogs. Thanks!

[@OldFrontLine]

Thank you, Malcolm!

[@TonyBongo869]

Interesting view on trench mortar companies, Paul. In the CEF, the trench mortars were filled with ne’er do wells. I followed one chap from the 49th CEF who’s Field punishment record was longer than your arm, and was made “surplus to requirements “ in the midst of a manpower shortage. Trench mortars soldiers kept their battalion cap badges and were returned to their battalions shortly after the armistice. Trench mortars were hated by the regular soldiers because they’d show up, shoot their shells, then bugger off before the enemy’s retribution came in. Highly effective, they were assigned to destroy known targets during trench raids, and one recorded by the 7th Brigade Trench Mortars CEF destroyed 5-6 machine guns. They could have half a dozen shells in the air before an enemy target even knew they were there. As always great talk.

[@OldFrontLine]

Thanks - and really interesting stuff!

[@robmisener2786]

Excellent work!

[@OldFrontLine]

Thank you!

[@stevegoodall8498]

Really enjoyed this Paul. Fascinating and informative as ever.

[@OldFrontLine]

Thank you!

[@samuelkingston2518]

Paul great pod as always. A quick one unrelated to the video but has been bugging me for a while. Why does Cwgc website list about 18.6k dead for July first 1916 I always thought it was wildly accepted that 19240 were killed on that day. Clarification on this matter would be a great help. Once again thanks for keeping this peace of history alive Paul all the best to you.

[@OldFrontLine]

Thanks - the issue re 1st July is that because so many were missing a lot of casualties were official accepted as dead on 2nd July although they almost certainly died on the 1st.