In the end, it was Verdun that led to the Somme offensive being brought forward a month to July 1, 1916. On November 18, hampered by snow, the Somme offensive ground to a halt. While the tanks had the desired shock effect on German troops, they proved unreliable and difficult to control. It was essential, he reasoned, that the British should continue to occupy the Germans while French forces continued to push back German forces at Verdun. In theory, this bombardment would enable British troops to saunter across no-man's land meeting little resistance.

Source: Huffington Post July 02, 2016 15:00 UTC