Hawthorn Ridge Crater

Hawthorn Ridge is near the village of Beaumont-Hamel in the Somme region of France. By October 1914, the Germans had fortified this area after the end of the Battle of Albert, which took place from the 25th to 29th September 1914. As part of the Somme offensive, a mine was planted under the ridge to disable the German stronghold which resulted in being the very first action of The Battle of the Somme.

Its explosion was filmed by Geoffrey Malins at 7.20am on the 1st July 1916 and is one of the best-known pieces of film of the First World War. The mine was blown for a second time on the 13th November 1916 when the 51st Highland Division captured the ridge and village.

More information about the Hawthorn Ridge Crater Association: The Hawthorn Ridge Crater Association.

Project website: www.battlelines-redrawn.co.uk