Those of you kind enough to follow my blog will know that I have been trying to put together a WW1 Timeline for an exhibition to be held in June to mark the centenary of the ending of the Great War. The event itself will be held in Plymouth on Armed Forces Day.
When I first set about my contribution I drew up a list of key events with the aim of trying to produce a figure, vignette or diorama to mark each incident. Not surprisingly the battle of the Somme appeared on my list. For inspiration on how to depict this event I did a quick Google search for ideas. The only thing which came to mind was “death”.
On the first day of the battle which took place on the 1st July 1916 the British lost over 60,000 soldiers (killed or seriously injured). By the end of the campaign in November of the same year that figure had risen to 420,000. An almighty loss for a land gain of 25 miles! Incredible.
The model itself features figures by Great War Miniatures. The mud is real mud! A little earth together with some potting soil, paint and PVA was mixed together and allowed to dry before dry brushing some highlights.
My little vignette is dedicated to the 420,000 brave souls.
TIM
The Imperfect Modeller 
I think you’ve really captured the horror and futility of it with what is effectively a very small, simple, diorama! Very poignant!
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Thanks John. You’re spot on regarding the futility of it all. Throughout this WW1 project I’ve often wondered if those that gave their lives so pointlessly would have approved of the world today.
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It’s almost unimaginable that people could bring themselves to make that sacrifice, but they did; it is unimaginable they would do it these days. Great diorama–it reminds me of the famous painting Paths of Glory by Christopher Nevinson.
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Couldn’t agree more, lions led by lambs. Not familiar with the painting but will check it out. As always appreciate the feedback.
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Great diorama, really like it.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Thanks Pete. Not the most complex but I think it tells a story.
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Beautiful diorama! I visited Verdun before, hopefully the Somme will follow soon.
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Thank you. The WW1 model project of which this is part has been interesting on many levels and I hope in the not to distant future to visit some of the battle areas myself.
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