Historian A: John Keegan – Military Perspective "John Keegan emphasizes the immense scale of casualties at the Somme, highlighting the brutal nature of trench warfare and the high human cost of the offensive. He argues that the casualties reflect the failure of military strategy and the devastating impact of modern weaponry. Keegan presents casualty figures as evidence of the war's destructive power and the tragic loss of life caused by tactical errors and the technological advancements in weaponry that made fighting more deadly. His focus is on the military and strategic consequences of the casualties suffered."

Historian B: Lyn Macdonald – Social Perspective "Lyn Macdonald concentrates on the social impact of the casualties, emphasizing how the enormous loss of life affected communities, families, and soldiers' mental health. She argues that the human cost extended beyond the battlefield, influencing social attitudes towards war and shaping post-war societal changes. Macdonald portrays the casualties as a tragedy not just for the military but for society as a whole, stressing the emotional and social toll of the Somme."