Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1469840 in Books
• Published on: 2000-04-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 223 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
First World War battles conjure up images of cold, muddy trenches and swathes of men dying in futile attempts to gain precious yards of enemy territory. Yet as this Stationery Office edition of General John French's frontline despatches in the first winter of the war in northern France show, the campaign was actually one of tactical manoeuvre, as small units of British, Indian and Canadian troops, aided by aerial reconnaissance, forded rivers, commandeered strategic villages and used the cover of deep woods in the attempt to push back the German army. Losses were heavy. Hand-to-hand fighting and gallantry were often no match for the technology of modern warfare--machine guns and mustard gas. This edition includes despatches from Gallipoli as well. War-buffs and historians alike will find this live reportage a compelling read.--Miles Taylor

Synopsis
Despatches written by the generals at the Front and published in the London Gazette, the official newspaper of Parliament. They describe some of the battles that took place in 1914 and 1915, in France and Belgium, a naval attack off the Belgian coast and the capture of the Emden off the Cocos Islands, an air attack on the Zeppelin base in Germany, and Army and Navy reports of the Gallipoli landing. "Uncovered Editions" are historic official papers now available in popular form.

Customer Reviews

A testimony to the great courage in the Great War
The dispatches of General French are captured so vividly in this informative body of work. Yes, there is mud and waste, but beacons of bravery and courage shine brightly in the midst of the gruesome industrial warfare that was the Great War. The accounts of the battles of 1914 and 1915 conjure lost and melancholy, yet hope of fighting for the greater good of both Europe and for the World. The book highlights what every historian and every student in England should know; simply that World war One was a victory for the Empire and her men who fought heroically side by side in the mud of France and Belgium. But the cost was so high and we are still paying for it. The account of mustard gas will touch and anger many, but the harsh true is too inhumane to deny. Historians and students will find this an enlightening read that captures the events concisely.