Product Description

The British entered World War I convinced of victory. Many even predicted an end to hostilities by Christmas. For the British Expeditionary Force, which was instead obliterated by 1915, this proved a costly assumption. In his robust re-examination of the onset of war, Robin Neillands reviews the exploits and character of the BEF, revealing how it came to be both the focus of hasty British hopes and, in the tragedy of its defeat, the catalyst for a policy shift without which the war would surely have been lost. Affectionately known as 'the Old Contemptibles' (a subversion of criticism from the Kaiser), the BEF was, although small, so highly trained and motivated that enemy lines mistook the unremitting accuracy of its rifles for machine gun fire. However, at Ypres, it was nonetheless conclusively defeated, proving that no amount of patriotism, skill or valour could match superior numbers and equipment. This forced the government to re-evaluate conscription and military funding.Using the testimony of both commanders and infantrymen, Robin Neillands' definitive account, published to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the outbreak of war, offers new insight into still highly, and justly, emotive issues: why such appalling numbers perished and to what extent the course of events would have been altered had the initial reaction from Britain been different.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #474020 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 384 pages

Review
'The Old Contemptibles have faded into history ... but on this 90th anniversary Neillands has given us a worthy tribute to their sacrifice' -- The Sunday Times 'Detailed, yet easily readable, the book stands as a tribute to the bravery of an army that never really had a chance' -- History 'Neillands has given us a worthy tribute to their sacrifice' -- Sunday Times 'The book stands as a tribute to the bravery of an army that never really had a chance' -- History 'Tells the story of the BEF's first weeks of war neatly, cirsply and clearly' -- Literary Review 'Informed and explicit, this is military history at its best' -- Western Daily Press 20040731 'Brings to life the horrific experiences of ... the British Expeditionary Force of 1914' -- Soldier Magazine 20040731

Soldier magazine
'Brings to life the horrific experiences of ... the British Expeditionary Froce of 1914'

Literary Review
'Tells the story of the BEF's first weeks of war neatly, cirsply and clearly'

Customer Reviews

An excellent contribution to anyones Great War Library
This book is a must for anyone interested in studying the First World War. The introductory chapter outlining the developments leading up to the war amongst the main protagonists is one of the finest I have ever come across. Robin Neillands explains the events leading up to the conflict and the actions of nations and individuals concerned with a clarity that is both educating and easy to understand. He goes on to describe in great detail the magnificent contribution the Old Contemptibles made during the early days of the conflict, and how important this truly disciplined band of regular soldiers were.I would certainly recommend this book to anyone wanting a greater understanding of how the war to end all wars unfolded.