The Somme 1916: From Both Sides of the Wire

The Somme 1916: From Both Sides of the Wire is a compelling documentary series from BBC that explores the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest and most tragic battles of the First World War. The series was first broadcast in 2016 and delves into the intricate aspects of the events leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and its aftermath.

The intention of the documentary is not to merely highlight the terrible total of human lives lost but to rather plot the course of events, decisions, and actions of both the British and German sides and how these intersected, sometimes tragically. The series does not negate away from reflecting on the magnitude of the loss but presents it woven into the grand tapestry of detailed historical exploration.

The title “The Somme 1916: From Both Sides of the Wire” is indicative of the unique multiple-perspective approach taken to document the series. It diverges from a myopic take on history and presents a broader, more inclusive account of events, juxtaposing narratives from the British and German fronts. To this end, the series presents a nuanced picture of World War I as a direct consequence of strategies, decisions, and attitudes on both sides of the conflict.

The series is presented by Peter Barton, a respected historian with expertise on the First World War. The entire series is split into three parts, each part taking viewers on an informational journey, using archival documents, letters, photographs, and an array of maps to guide them through the battle. Barton's command and expertise allow the viewers to delve deeper into the often overlooked aspects of the war, bringing the spectacular failures and momentous victories to life.

In the first part of the series, the focus is on the planning stage of the battle. Barton examines the complex network of tunnels and trenches that define the battlefield, also evaluating the strategies used by both German and British forces. He delves into the mindset of the officers, the strategies employed, and the planning that went into what was anticipated to be a swift victory.

The second part revolves around the actual onset of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916. The accounts of soldiers, taken from their letters and memoirs, provide an intimate perspective on the battle. The horrifying cost of warfare is laid bare with stark clarity, and this part is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the men who fought in the battle.

In the final part of the series, Barton strives to understand how and why the battle continued for so long, with no clear victory in sight. Here, the series provides an introspective take on the leadership tactics, policies, and the grim tenacity that perpetuated the battle long past its predicted end.

A standout aspect of the series is the extensive use of original trench maps, aerial photographs, and extraordinary 3D landscapes. These elements help recreate the battlefield, visualizing the scale of operations and giving viewers a real sense of what the combatants faced in the fields of the Somme in 1916.

The Somme 1916: From Both Sides of the Wire stands out as an important contribution to our understanding of World War I. Its unbiased perspective, in-depth exploration, detailed analysis, and meticulous recounting of the events render it a must-watch for history enthusiasts and general audiences alike, who seek to understand the scale and scope of the First World War, and particularly the Battle of Somme. It is not just a series about a battle, but a deep examination of war itself, the strategies, the people, the implications, and most heartrendingly, the cost. Its true strength lies in its ability to encapsulate the breadth and depth of a crucial historical event while maintaining a deeply human perspective. It offers viewers a glimpse into the theatre of war, but at the same time, it provokes them to reflect on the strategies, policies, decisions, and actions that led to the inception and continuation of a battle that engraved its mark on human history forever.