
- 312 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
In April 1917, Allied guns pounded German positions near Arras with almost three million shells. During the early stages of the succeeding offensive, British and Canadian troops achieved unprecedented advances, capturing a huge swathe of enemy territory, including the famous Vimy Ridge. After the initial shock, however, the Germans quickly recovered to employ inspired battlefield tactics that crushed all hope of breakthrough, despite the injection of Australian military flair.
The ultimate cost in human life was immense, with an average daily casualty rate 40 per cent greater than the Somme and almost double that of Passchendaele -- making it hour for hour the most treacherous British offensive of the First World War. It stands alone as an example of missed opportunity, wasted lives, defective leadership and poor communication. Yet the determination and doggedness shown by the troops on both sides was breathtaking.
In this major new account, Peter Barton showcases over 50 rediscovered British and German panoramic photographs of the battlegrounds. Taken at huge personal risk by specialist photographers, they reveal what no other photographs can -- the view beyond the trench parapet -- and a view not seen for over 90 years. Also included are many unpublished testimonies, letters, and memoirs, with stunning mapping, plans and diagrams throughout.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 - Warfare in Artois
- Chapter 2 - The 1915 Battles of Artois
- Chapter 3 - The British Arrival
- Chapter 4 - Backcloth to Battle
- Chapter 5 - Political Prelude
- Chapter 6 - Flies in the Ointment: the East, Alberich and the Leaks
- Chapter 7 - Command and Control
- Chapter 8 - Preparations
- Chapter 9 - Countdown
- Chapter 10 - Osterschlacht North: Vimy Ridge to the Scarpe
- Chapter 11 - Osterschlacht South: the Scarpe to Croisilles
- Chapter 12 - The Remains of the Day
- Chapter 13 - Not Much Doing
- Chapter 14 - Back to Business
- Chapter 15 - Something for the Weekend: Thursday to Saturday, 12-14 April 1917
- Chapter 16 - Tyde What May
- Chapter 17 - The Void
- Chapter 18 - Final Steps
- Epilogue
- Bibliography
- Index