Where thousands died a few pocketing millions (5)
I believe the answer is:
somme
'where thousands died a' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.
'few pocketing millions' is the wordplay.
'few' becomes 'some' (associated in meaning).
'pocketing' is an insertion indicator (pocket can mean to steal or take possession of).
'millions' becomes 'm' (abbreviation).
'some' enclosing 'm' is 'SOMME'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for somme that I've seen before include "Scene of WW One battles" , "WW1 battlefield" , "French river at Amiens" , "WWI battle site" , "River of northern France" .)