Life Is Very Cheap Here - NZ Troops In the Somme 1916

The New Zealand Division on the Somme, September - October 1916

Presentation by Professor Glyn Harper. The main action of 1916 for the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was the battle of the Somme, to which the New Zealanders were committed during its third phase. The battle of the Somme was the first real test for the New Zealand Division. It also proved to be the most costly military engagement ever undertaken by New Zealand soldiers.

The New Zealand Division made its initial assault between High and Delville Woods on 15 September in what was later called the battle of Flers-Courcelette. Two further assaults were made on 25 and 27 September during the battle of Morval.

This paper examines these military actions, explaining what the New Zealanders achieved and why they were so costly. The paper also offers some suggestions about why such a watershed experience is virtually unknown in New Zealand.

Events Central, George Street Entrance, Ground Floor, Central Library.