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Battle on the Aisne 1914: The BEF and the Birth of the Western Front First Edition
Author(s): Jerry Murland (Author)
- Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
- Publication Date: 1 Mar. 2013
- Edition: First Edition
- Language: English
- Print length: 240 pages
- ISBN-10: 1848847696
- ISBN-13: 9781848847699
Book Description
The river Aisne featured prominently in August 1914 during the Retreat from Mons and in September was the scene of bitter fighting when the BEF re-crossed it in their unsuccessful attempt to dislodge the German Army entrenched along the Northern Crest.The fighting was hugely costly to the BEF which had already fought three major engagements and marched over 200 miles in a month. The three British Corps lost over 700 officers and some 15,000 men. Little wonder one officer wrote that he felt he was ‘in the company of ghosts’.Historian Jerry Murland places the Aisne battles in their context, both from the BEF and German viewpoints. He highlights the early deficiencies and unpreparedness of the British Army staff and logistics organisation as well as friction among the command structure, all of which hampered effective operations.
Editorial Reviews
Review
This is a detailed analysis…Worth adding to your bookshelf. 9/10 – The Great War The provides a detailed analysis in his own words. –The Bulletin
About the Author
Jerry Murland is a former Parachute Regiment officer who saw operations in the Middle East. He is the author of Departed Warriors and Aristocrats Go To War (Pen and Sword Military). He lives near Coventry.
