Slaughter and Stalemate in 1917: British Offensives from Messines Ridge to Cambrai

This book provides a fresh, critical history of the 1917 campaign in Flanders, tracing the three major battles fought by the British Expeditionary Force and showing how Cambrai further underlined the mistakes that led to the failure at Passchendaele. It features first-hand accounts, dramatic incidents, and portraits of the main generals, making it an invaluable military history for all readers interested in World War I.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 268 pages
\n Publication date: 01 April 2021
\n Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
\n

This book provides a comprehensive and critical history of the 1917 campaign in Flanders. Author Alan Warren delves into the three major battles fought by the British Expeditionary Force in the final months of 1917, encompassing the mines of Messines, the mud of Passchendaele, and the tanks at Cambrai. Drawing upon a diverse range of sources, Warren offers a vivid account of these battles, highlighting their tragic mismanagement and their profound impact on the course of the Western Front. Through his compelling narrative, Warren presents first-hand accounts, lesser-known dramatic incidents, and insightful portraits and assessments of the key generals involved. This military history is of immense value to all readers interested in World War I and the tragic errors that led, as Winston Churchill famously remarked, to a "forlorn expenditure of valor and life without equal in futility."

Introduction:
The 1917 campaign in Flanders was a pivotal moment in the First World War, marked by intense battles and significant casualties. In this book, we will explore the three major battles fought by the British Expeditionary Force in the final months of 1917, which had a profound impact on the course of the war.

Battle of Messines:
The Battle of Messines was fought from June to July 1917 and was one of the largest and most successful operations of the war. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) aimed to capture the German-occupied town of Messines and weaken the German defenses in the Ypres Salient. The battle was marked by the use of new technology, including the first-ever use of mines, which caused massive destruction and casualties on the German side.

The battle began with a massive artillery bombardment by the British, followed by a surprise attack by the BEF on the German lines. The mines were detonated at the right time, causing massive damage to the German defenses and paving the way for the British advance. The BEF suffered heavy losses, but the operation was a success, and the town of Messines was captured on July 10, 1917.

The Battle of Messines was a turning point in the war, as it weakened the German defenses in the Ypres Salient and paved the way for the British offensive in the coming months. However, the battle was also costly in terms of human lives, with over 100,000 British and German soldiers killed or wounded.

Battle of Passchendaele:
The Battle of Passchendaele was fought from July to November 1917 and was one of the most brutal and costly battles of the war. The BEF aimed to capture the Belgian town of Passchendaele and break the German lines in the Ypres Salient. The battle was marked by heavy rain, mud, and the use of tanks, which caused immense destruction and casualties on both sides.

The battle began with a massive artillery bombardment by the British, followed by a surprise attack by the BEF on the German lines. The German defenses were strong, and the British suffered heavy losses in the initial stages of the battle. However, the use of tanks proved to be a game-changer, as they were able to break through the German lines and advance into the town of Passchendaele.

The battle was long and grueling, with the British suffering over 300,000 casualties and the German over 200,000. The battle was also marked by the use of new tactics, such as the " creeping barrage," which involved advancing slowly and steadily to avoid the destruction caused by artillery shells.

The Battle of Passchendaele was a significant setback for the British, as it failed to break the German lines and led to the loss of many lives. However, the battle did contribute to the eventual defeat of the German army and the end of the war.

Battle of Cambrai:
The Battle of Cambrai was fought from November to December 1917 and was one of the largest tank battles of the war. The BEF aimed to break the German lines in the Cambrai sector and advance into France. The battle was marked by the use of tanks, which caused immense destruction and casualties on both sides.

The battle began with a massive artillery bombardment by the British, followed by a surprise attack by the BEF on the German lines. The German defenses were strong, and the British suffered heavy losses in the initial stages of the battle. However, the use of tanks proved to be a game-changer, as they were able to break through the German lines and advance into the town of Cambrai.

The battle was long and grueling, with the British suffering over 300,000 casualties and the German over 200,000. The battle was also marked by the use of new tactics, such as the " saturation attack," which involved using a large number of tanks to saturate the enemy lines and cause chaos.

The Battle of Cambrai was a significant victory for the British, as it broke the German lines and led to the advance into France. The battle also marked the beginning of the end for the German army, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of tanks and the power of the British Expeditionary Force.

Conclusion:
The 1917 campaign in Flanders was a defining moment in the First World War, marked by intense battles and significant casualties. The three major battles fought by the British Expeditionary Force in the final months of 1917, from the mines of Messines to the mud of Passchendaele and the tanks at Cambrai, had a profound impact on the course of the war.

The Battle of Messines was a massive and successful operation that weakened the German defenses in the Ypres Salient and paved the way for the British offensive. However, the battle was also costly in terms of human lives, with over 100,000 British and German soldiers killed or wounded.

The Battle of Passchendaele was one of the most brutal and costly battles of the war, marked by heavy rain, mud, and the use of tanks. The battle failed to break the German lines and led to the loss of many lives, but it did contribute to the eventual defeat of the German army and the end of the war.

The Battle of Cambrai was a significant victory for the British, as it broke the German lines and led to the advance into France. The battle also marked the beginning of the end for the German army, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of tanks and the power of the British Expeditionary Force.

In conclusion, the 1917 campaign in Flanders was a tragic and costly period in the history of the First World War. The three major battles fought by the British Expeditionary Force in the final months of 1917, from the mines of Messines to the mud of Passchendaele and the tanks at Cambrai, had a profound impact on the course of the war. These battles demonstrated the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers on both sides and the immense cost of war.

\n Weight: 544g\n
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781538143100\n \n