The Battle of the Somme in pictures: The Battle of the Somme has come to define the brutal trench warfare of the First World War

The Battle of the Somme (1 July - 18 November 1916) was a joint operation between British and French forces intended to achieve a decisive victory over the Germans on the Western Front

For many in Britain, the resulting battle remains the most painful and infamous episode of the First World War.

Pictures copyright Press Association

9. The remains of the church in the village of Curlu after it was retaken by French troops

The remains of the church in the village of Curlu after it was retaken by French troops:- Photo: PA Photos:PA

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10. British soldiers negotiating a shell-cratered, Winter landscape along the River Somme in late 1916 after the close of the Allied offensive.

British soldiers negotiating a shell-cratered, Winter landscape along the River Somme in late 1916 after the close of the Allied offensive.:- Photo: PA

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11. French soldiers collecting title deeds and official documents from among the ruins of the Notary's House at Curlu on the Somme. *Low res scan - Hi res scan on request

French soldiers collecting title deeds and official documents from among the ruins of the Notary's House at Curlu on the Somme. *Low res scan - Hi res scan on request:- Photo: PA

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12. British troops sort through the belongings of German prisoners in a trench, with articles being placed in an empty sand bag.

British troops sort through the belongings of German prisoners in a trench, with articles being placed in an empty sand bag.:- Photo: PA

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