Royal Artillery

Northumbrian Gunners

Friday, 10 March 2023

Somme 2023 - Lochnagar Crater

 The Lochnagar crater, south of the village of La Boisselle, was left by the explosion of the largest of 19 mines that were detonated prior to Zero Hour on 1st July 1916 to assist the infantry advance at the start of the battle.

IJ Lochnagar Crater

La Boisselle / Lochnagar Crater [X]

La Boisselle / Lochnagar Crater

The mine was dug beneath a German field fortification, the Schwabenhöhe. When detonated it left a crater crater 21 m (69 ft)  deep and 100 m (330 ft) wide. The crater was captured and held by British troops, and offered refuge for troops as the attack of the 34th Division faltered from heavy machine gun fire and artillery fire. 

Troops passing Lochnagar Crater, October 1916
Source: (IWM Q 1479)

Lochnagar Crater March 2023

Lochnagar Crater March 2023

Lochnagar Crater Memorial March 2023