Overview

From sore-footed reservists and old sweats in 1914 to conscripted men after 1916; the 1st Division faced the challenge of war from beginning to end. This account includes a rare glimpse into Operation Hush which might have provided a successful strategic alternative to the blood-soaked ridges around Passchendaele. Drawing heavily on the combat records of the unit formations it offers a blend of military analysis and insights into the lived experience of the men whilst outside the front line. This book brings alive the record of the 1st Division. Starting with mobilisation in 1914 and its deployment as part of the original BEF, the story of the 1st Division is taken right through to the occupation of Germany after the Armistice.The book encompasses the familiar battles of 1st Ypres and Aubers Ridge before looking at the Somme from the perspective of a division fed into the line after the battle started. The book opens with a detailed discussion of the extent to which Britain had committed itself to supporting France before 1914. As the title says, 1st Division was there on the Western Front from the very beginning to the beyond the end of hostilities and therefore exemplifies so much about the way in which the men of the British Army faced the trials of this dehumanisingly large scale conflict. 20 b/w photos, 10 b/w maps, 3 tables

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9781912866205

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"Author of ""European Diplomacy 1870-1939"", which sold well in the USA and Canada, as well as in the UK, Simon is a sought-after speaker at WFA events, and his ability to present history in an exciting way is reflected in his role as Head of History and Politics at Princethorpe College, a leading independent HMC school. Simon's grandfather fought on the Western Front and his great uncle lies there still. Simon originally graduated from Bristol University, and whilst a student there went on a Goodwin tour to Ypres, where the guide was none other than John Giles who founded the Western Front Association. Simon's PhD from Birmingham as a mature student was combined with involvement in local politics, where he had the privilege of serving as Mayor of Tamworth, including leading the civic Remembrance Day tribute honouring local servicemen including those who served in the 46th Division. Simon's London Irish background means he takes a robust view of the political establishment, and his writing challenges the comfortable consensus amongst some University academics whilst being based on the most thorough research of primary source materials."

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