The French had Verdun, Australians have Gallipoli.For the British - it was the Somme. Image: War graves lit up for a vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval memorial (AAP)
Almost 20,000 British soldiers lost their lives in the first 24 hours of the historic battle.
Thousands of Australians also fought and died in the Somme, fighting for the British Empire.
Vigils have been held in Northern France and the U-K ahead of the battle's Centenary.
The Royal family was there for the sombre commemorations.
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