The Hidden Story of the Somme’s First Detonation
The earth settles following the explosion of the mine beneath Hawthorn Ridge Redoubt on July 1, 1916. Recent research on the Hawthorn Ridge crater from World War I has revealed how an early detonation turned into a strategic blunder for the British, enabling German forces to strengthen their defenses. This study highlights the importance of timing in warfare and offers new insights into the adaptive tactics used by the Germans, significantly contributing to our understanding of the Battle of the Somme and trench warfare…