Attack On The Somme is another thought-provoking educational package from Tressell
Publications.
"Package" is the correct term for their work as the programs are carefully integrated
with the documents and together they provide an in-depth study.
In the package are a user guide, teachers' notes, two
booklets (The Somme 1914-18 and Contemporary Accounts of
the First World War), and the two programs.
As with other written materials produced by this
teachers' cooperative, they are well designed and printed.
The two programs consist of an introduction made up of six
sub-programs, and the main attack. In general these work
very well despite some colour combinations that are not
impressive on an ordinary colour television.
The introduction sets the various scenes and uses effec
tive, if not particularly sophisticated, animation to illustrate
such things as air and ground observation, creeping barrage,
and the trenches.
Throughout, the students are encouraged to cross reference
the booklets, answer questions and comment on observations.
It is most instructive for students to see animations of the
strategies as this allows them to see more clearly the implications
of the decisions made.
All this leads up to the battle itself. Thankfully this is not of
the "zap 'em as fast as you can" type but allows a battle plan to
be laid out and followed through to its conclusion.
Decisions have to be taken about five things - the preliminary
bombardment, mines, infantry, when to attack and how to attack.
A map of the battle area is used to assist decisions and
reports are given at different stages.
At the conclusion of the battle a set of detailed comments and
criticisms are given on the performance and a comparison made with
Haig's plan.
Overall this is a very effective and sympathetic attempt to deal
with this complex and emotional event. The authors have attained
a high degree of realism and have certainly added another very useful
learning aid for historians to use.
1st January 1985
