From Gallipoli the 1st Essex spent a short time based in Egypt before they sailed for France and established a camp near to Abbeville.Due to the injury to Lt Colonel Clutterbuck , Major Meiklejohn of the Border Regiment was appointed to temporary command.

An offensive was planned for 1 July 1916  to relieve pressure on Verdun in which the 1st Essex were allocated the task of attacking the German defences at their strongest point.

On their advance the Battalion were hampered by fallen men from and earlier advance and only made it as far of non mans land with Z company under command of 2nd Lt A P Chawner furthest advanced. Given the lack of success across the from the order was soon given to retire to the original defence trenches.

The Battalion casualties were none officers and 209 other ranks. Those killed included Captain T A C Brabazon and 2nd Lieutenants W R Cheshire, and R B Horwood. Injuries included Captain A D Henderson ( 10th Norfolks) , Lieutenant F F Cooke and 2nd Lieutenants E T H Hill, H A Jackson, A J Morrison and B O Warner.

For a while there were exchanges of patrols and constant shelling during which Lieutenant H B Russell was killed.

On 11th June 1916 a German patrol attacked the British Lines and although he was shot by Lieutenant Wheatley the bomb exploded killing Lt Wheatley and Sergeant Edwards. Sadly on the dame day 2nd Lieutenant W J McLean was seriously wounded while leading a wiring party in advance of the front line.

A short break from the line in the rest camp saw some inter brigade competitions to provide a little relief.1st Essex did well winning the strong point (Lt A P M Chawner's team) , Relay race ( Captain Carolins's team), Cross Country Race, Lewis Gun Competition and the mile hurdle race ( Captain Carolin and Lt A A Thackeray).

Life on the line continued at several locations in the front line including a successful assault at Gueudecourt  on 12 October 1916 which saw the deaths of 2nd Lieut A P Chawner and CSM Roland.

On 18 November 1916 the Battalion moved into reserve and for them the Battle of the Somme was over.