(no subject)

OK, so I was going to write about Beaumont-Hamel today, but there isn't a huge bit to say which doesn't go off the rails into a diatribe about warfare in general, so other than noting that having 69 men able to answer morning roll call the day following having 801 represents over ninety percent casualties- a nearly unheard of casualty rate. I can only think of a single instance more excessive- a Minnesota regiment fighting in Sherfy's Peach Orchard on the second day at the battle of Gettysburg (2 July 1863) had a 100% casualty rate- every man was hit. Yes, something useful from a degree in history other than occasionally getting lucky enough to draw good questions at Trivial Pursuit.

Happy Canada Day (plus one tomorrow) for those of you who observe it, hope the rest had a good Sunday, and that those in the States have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day on Wednesday, and for the rest, may something worth commemorating happen for you this week.