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

13. British soldiers take cover in their rudimentary bivouacs, constructed from tarpaulins and fencing, in the French countryside.

British soldiers take cover in their rudimentary bivouacs, constructed from tarpaulins and fencing, in the French countryside.:- Photo: PA

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14. British troops negotiate a trench as they go forward in support of an attack on the village of Morval during the Battle of the Somme. A shell can be seen exploding in the distance.

British troops negotiate a trench as they go forward in support of an attack on the village of Morval during the Battle of the Somme. A shell can be seen exploding in the distance.:- Photo: PA

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15. A captured German battery at Herbecourt.

A captured German battery at Herbecourt.:- Photo: PA Photos:PA

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16. The ruins of the church at Frise.

The ruins of the church at Frise.:- Photo: PA Photos:PA

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