The idea for Somme16 came when writer/director Steve Davis started looking into his family tree.

Steve’s Grandmother Diana Arras Peeke sadly passed away in 1997 in the small village of Wickhambreaux in Kent. Being adopted as an infant she knew very little of her parents or siblings. It wasn’t until Steve began researching his family tree in the summer of 2019 that he discovered the truth behind his Grandmother’s adoption and the tragic fate of her parents.

Diana was born in Yorkshire in January 1917 and was a very poorly baby. Shortly after her birth her mother died due to a tumour and being in ill health she was taken to the Royal infirmary in Hull while her young siblings were taken to a care home in Driffield. Her father Albert who had been fighting in the Great War since January 1915 was sadly killed in action in the Battle of The Somme.

Somme16 is a very personal film for writer/director Steve Davis and his family. Every man who fought in both World Wars are heroes, not least his great grandfather Private Albert Ernest Peeke whom the movie is based on.

Lest We Forget.

Diana Arras Peeke, daughter of Pte Albert Ernest Peeke and Emma Peeke, with her grandson and Somme16 director Steve Davis.