The Lochnagar Mine 1916
James Porter SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Regions:
- Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Hobby
- Fee:
- Paid: £70 includes travel expenses.
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 29th July 2025
- Tagged:
- 1914-18 Ww1 | Military History | Western Front
Those who have visited the site of the Lochnagar Mine crater on the Western front cannot but have been awe-struck by its width and depth. The idea of 60,000 lbs of high explosive detonating to create the crater is almost impossible to comprehend. My talk outlines the history of tunneling in WW1, together with tunneling techniques and the nature of underground combat. Then I look at the role of mining in the strategy and planning of the Battle of the Somme where 7 large and 11 small mines were exploded in the early hours of 1st July 1916. I then examine the immediate effects of the blast of the lochnagar Mine, together with wider tactical and strategic results. The talk lasts for 30 minutes, but could be extended.
Views: 12 | Enquiries: 0About James Porter
I am a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. I retired in 2011 after 41 years' service. I attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, received a BA (Hons) at Lancaster University, attended the Army Staff College, Camberley. I have commanded an infantry platoon, company and battalion, and served several tours of duty in Northern Ireland. I also served in West Germany, Berlin and the Falkland Islands. I am originally from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. I live in North Dorset. I offer more than 30 different Military History talks, which may be given face-to-face or via Zoom.
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