Major & Mrs Holt’s Battle Map of The Somme. I could not possibly leave out this classic gem – The Somme Battlefield on one map, easy to read. Just dug it out as we are off tomorrow and added extra reinforcing tape along the well used seams! Their guide book is great as well but I do not have my own copy otherwise it would have been up here too.

Linesman. Yes, I have the modern stuff as well! And it has worked well over the years, transferring from tablet to tablet easily enough. The sort of thing I really love, for an obvious example, is the ability to follow a front line to an accuracy of a foot or two. It is amazing out in the field getting under the skin of the front lines and following them with such precision.

Trench Maps – 90th Anniversary Special Editions produces by Defence Geographi Centre, Ministry of Defence. I was lucky enough to acquire two sets of these. This set I use in the field, the other set, in mint condition, I happily gifted to my ‘Somme Mentor’ as a thank you for introducing me to The Somme and what has been a life changing and life long interest!

Institut Géographique National – 2048 Ouest, 2408 Est, 2407 ouest, 2407 Est. Two of these date back to the 80s (donated by a friend who had updated!) but the roads have not changed in the areas of importance. You need all four to cover The Somme properly and some people I know have cut them up and stuck the four relevant areas back together to make one. I haven’t quite had the courage to do that yet. A proper map is invaluable, even in this age of GPS, online maps etc… These copies have been extensively used but have lasted well and have years still to give!

The Somme by Peter Hart. The last of my field books. This, however, even in hardback form is more than useful in the field, particularly when pre-marked up with your relevant references. The narrative flows in Mr Hart’s inimitable style and uses many first hand experiences derived from his time as an oral historian at The Imperial War Museum.

Of course there are many many others that could be used but these are my stock walking/cycling companions.

The War Diary of the Master of Belhaven – by Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. Ralf Hamilton. A rarity. I was given this back in 2015. It is a wonderful read and goes in the backpack particularly for descriptions around Maricourt, Carnoy, Trones and Bernafay Woods, attacks on Guillemont. The narrative is clear, honest, somewhat matter of fact and descriptions of horror are vivid.

Epitaphs Of The Great War – The Somme by Sarah Wearne. I bought this at the CWGC Visitor Centre in 2018 and I’m glad I did. It adds a new dimension and greater depth to a War Cemetery stop. Lovely little book and there are others in the series.