Robert Brunsdon (Gloucestershire Regiment on the Somme)

Robert (Bob)'s own grandfather had served at the Somme which started on 1st July 1916, after a whole week of artillery bombardment, and went on until mid November. 

Haig thought the ground unsuitable but was pressurised by the French, after they had nearly failed to hold the line at Verdun, to order the offensive.  Twelve Gloster battalions fought at the Somme and Bob had obviously done a great deal of research to describe, in detail, the various attacks they were involved in. 

His talk was brought to life by his relating the exploits of some of the Gloster individuals.  Pt 'Sonny' Smith who had joined, under age, at 16 was killed on the day before the battle.  Maj Arthur Inglis was seconded to the Tank Corps and led the first ever use of tanks.  Lt Col Cartonde Wiart VC cut the fingers from his shattered hand to be able to quickly rejoin the line.  He was wounded so many times (23) that he had a hospital bed 'reserved' for him. Perhaps the most poignant was Pt William Maw's story.  He was severely wounded after being hit by three bombs (German grenades), evacuated back to Blighty and lived, almost totally disabled until 1922 just after the cut off point for military honours which he richly deserved. 

A most interesting talk which those actually involved were reluctant to talk about and are now no longer with us to ask.

Clive Townsend