Great War in the Argonne Forest: French and American Battles, 1914 1918

The Argonne Forest was the site of the Meuse-Argonne offensive in 1918, the largest American operation against the Germans during the First World War. French and Italian soldiers withstood German assaults in 1914 and 1915, resulting in horrendous casualties. Richard Merry's account traces the stories of those who became embroiled in the forest struggle, including Charles Whittlesey and Sergeant Alvin York. The story also describes the aftermath of war, including the Spanish flu outbreak, the reburial of the dead, the rebuilding of villages, and the replanting of the forest before the Germans invaded again in 1940.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The annals of the First World War vividly document the Argonne Forest as the focal point of the renowned Meuse-Argonne Offensive of 1918, the most extensive American operation launched against the Germans during the conflict. Despite the dense forest, French and Italian soldiers valiantly resisted the German assaults during 1914 and 1915. All parties incurred severe casualties as they relentlessly endeavored to breach the enemy lines. Richard Merry's meticulously written account delves into the epic four-year campaign, which culminated in the chilling autumnal mist of 1918 when the New Yorkers of the 77th Liberty Division engaged in fierce combat within the forest. Among the individuals whose stories are intricately woven into this narrative are Charles Whittlesey and his resilient Lost Battalion, who bravely held out against insurmountable odds. Sergeant Alvin York, a Tennessee backwoodsman and pacifist, triumphantly overcame his religious convictions and etched his name into American military history. However, the tale extends beyond this pivotal moment, as the author vividly portrays the aftermath of war in the region. The Spanish flu outbreak, the solemn reburial of the deceased, the arduous task of rebuilding villages, and the replanting of the forest to deter future German invasions are all meticulously described. This comprehensive account provides a profound understanding of the human cost and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526797810