'And there in their hundreds are the lads that will never be old'

[tree_and_leaf]

Ninety years ago today, the Battle of the Somme began; the details are too well known to be rehearsed here. A miserable, sad business: sorrow for all those young men, both those who never came home and for those who did, is the dominant note, I think, albeit tinged with pride at the courage shown - and horror at what humanity can do. The best and worst in our natures lies so close together.