The crater itself was caused by two charges of ammonal, of 24,000lb and 30,000lb.
It was blown along with 16 others at 0728 on the morning of 1 July 1916 as a two-minute precursor to the start of the offensive. The Lochnagar Crater measured 300ft across and 90ft deep (200ft wide and 81ft deep by 1919).
Debris from the explosion rose some 4,000ft into the air.
After the crater was blown the crater, which was in German hands, was charged by the Tynesiders, without success, for by the time the attack was made following the explosion the Germans had regrouped and repelled the oncoming British.
However the Worcesters took the area around the crater two days later on 3 July.