When most people think of WW1 they will almost inevitably at some point think of The Somme. Understandably the magnitude of lost lives is not easily forgotten. As I continued with my WW1 timeline it became very clear to me that certain events could not be ignored. This was one such event.
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WW1 – “The Somme” – 28mm Scale
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 
Great diorama, I think it has the right ‘feel’ to it too
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Cheers mate. It was done a while ago now but I was very pleased with it at the time.😊
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Good job man. RIP to all those lost in every war😔
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I’ll echo that, brave men one and all.
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Great mate. I do remember this one as well I’m sure. Would love to see you do more WW1 dioramas actually. I know you’re not into model kits but a WW1 era tank would be cool.
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I must admit seeing some of them again does make think of doing another one. Who knows I might even do a tank as you suggest. Wont be for a while though, got quite a few things in the pipe line.
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I agree that you can’t talk about WWI without the Somme being discussed. This captures both the mood after the bloodshed and the grim environment so many ended up dying in. Excellent work and a moving tribute to the Great War!
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A wonderful, and somber diorama.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Thamjs Pete.
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Really brings it home to you, brilliant..
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Thanks Steve.
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I’m with IRO ! you have to do a WWI tank sometime Dave!! Ive seen many ,but your slant on it would be very interesting!
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It is definitely something I will consider Pat that is for sure.
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Brings me back to the song Green Fields of France about young Willie McBride. Studied Verdun and the Somme at USMA. Still a horror, and the Second World War was a further outcome of it. Your diorama evokes that terrible war and its casualties quite well and respectfully
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Have to feel for these young men. Sucha wast e of life and a generation.
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