Somme
a river of northern France, rising near Fonsomme, about 6 miles N.
E. of St. Quentin, in the Department of Aisne. After flowing in a southwesterly direction, it turns N. W., enters the Department of Somme, and after receiving on the left the Avre and Celle, it enters the English Channel below St. Valéry.
Its total course is about 152 miles long.
The Somme Canal follows the course of the river from St. Simon to St. Valéry, a distance of about 97 miles. The river is also connected with the Scheldt by the St. Quentin Canal, and with the Oise by the Crozat Canal. The river became widely known during the World War as a result of the highly important fighting which at various times occurred along its upper reaches, some of the most important battles of the World War being known as the Battles of the Somme.
SOMME BATTLES. See PICARDY, BATTLES OF.