The Cost of the Somme Battle THE Germans point to the "failure" of the British and French offensive on the Somme during the summer and autumn as proof that the lines there cannot be broken. But a different story Is told when the German losses arc made known. During the four months when the battle was at Its height the Germans lost 700,000 men. Of this number 05,000 were taken prisoner. In captures the Allies secured 135 heavy guns, 180 field pieces and 48S machine guns. This is a war of men and guns. The Allies have both. They can repeat the Battle of the Somme next spring. They can again repeat it next autumn. What will be the result when Germany adds 1,400, - 000 to her losses on the , west front alone? It is easy to answer. The Allies will break through.