The largest man-made explosion in history to that time occurred on this day 93 years ago. The First World War had been continuing for some time, and the positions of the opposing sides on the western front had become entrenched. As a result of new weapons technology, casualties were very high and it was very difficult for either side to gain an advantage or to seize territory from the other side.
The British Second Army, including Australian, New Zealand and Irish divisions, was opposed by the German Fourth Army which. Because of the length of the conflict, the British Second Army had plenty of time to come up with a new method of attack. In 1915 they began digging numerous tunnels 20 metres or more under the ground, heading under the German lines. The tunnels were dug through a layer of blue clay for which mechanical digging machines, so most of the work was done by hand using spades and picks.
Some 455 tonnes of ammonal explosive was laid in the tunnels ready for detonation, and a British offensive was scheduled for 7th June. On the evening before the attack, the British commander General Plumer remarked, “Gentlemen, we may not make history tomorrow, but we shall certainly change the geography.” At 3am on 7th June the blasts were triggered, creating a noise so loud it could be heard back in London. Some 10,000 German troops were killed in the blast and the British Second Army quickly overran their positions. However, more than a year was to pass before the War was over.