The soldiers who attacked on the Somme on 1 July 1916 are sometimes portrayed as being laden with a pack weighing over 66lbs (30kg).  While it is true that the British soldier’s load in full ‘marching order’ exceeded 66lbs, the initial fighting waves on the Somme were more lightly equipped.  Official records and photographic evidence show what was worn and carried.  By the start of the Battle every British soldier had been issued with a steel helmet.

The War Diary of 94th Brigade (The National Archives WO95/2363), which attacked at Serre, specified the following clothing and equipment for 1 July 1916:

• Dress – Marching order without packs, groundsheet rolled on the belt with the mess tin on top, haversack on the back. 
   
• Each man carries 170 rounds of SAA [small arms ammunition] – 120 in pouches and 1 bandolier containing 50 rounds. 
   
• 4 bombs, 4 [empty] sandbags
   
• Gas helmet (rolled under steel helmet) 
   
• 1 complete day’s rations in addition to Iron Rations. 
   
• Tin disc tied to the outside of the haversack with string (this was intended to reflect light so that senior commanders and artillery spotters could keep track of the advancing waves).