ISBN: 0582506123 Hardback 221 pp Published by Pearson Education Ltd.
I have always considered that the most important battle of WW1 was the First Ypres and have found no reason to change this viewpoint after reading this splendid book by Ian Beckett. It covers the advance of the B.E.F from the Aisne to Flanders and the four battles as shown by the War Office Nomenclature Committee - La Bassee , 10th October -2nd November , Armentieres 13th October -2nd November , Messines 12th October - 2nd November and the Battle of Ypres from 19th October-22nd November . Strangely the Germans show the Ypres battle as between 30th Oct- 24th November.
The author gives a clear and concise account of this most awful of battles where the B.E.F suffered so grievously as indeed did the French, Belgium and German armies.
The German onslaught under its new commander Von Falkenhayn was relentless, having superiority in infantry, guns and shells. All the four armies would experience shell shortages during the battle, British guns were rationed to a ludicrous amount, so much so that in 2nd Corps guns were brought out of the line having no shells to fire. It must have been terrible for British infantry to have to suffer German shellfire without any means of their own artillery responding It was also interesting also to read of the strained relations between officers of the British , French and German senior officers and how different Generals conducted actions in their sector . Major General Thompson Capper GOC of the 7th Division for example positioned his trenches on the forward slopes of hills rather than on the reverse slopes. Rawlinson seemed to suggest that he rethought that strategy. It is little wonder that the 7th Division suffered so many casualties.
At the height of the German onslaught in late October, early November, the B.E.F was stretched to breaking point having few reserves to cover gaps in the line. Casualties were horrendous, some battalions being almost decimated .The Indian Corps arrived but suffered heavy casualties due to its inexperience. The loss of its officers would cause many problems for Willcocks. The battle also saw the arrival of the first Territorial battalion, the London Scottish, who went into action at Messines. The author illustrates the state of the B.E.F by reference to the 7th Division. Since its introduction into the line on October 12th, it came out with only 4149 men remaining from its original establishment of 12,522, these after absorbing new drafts .Some infantry were in the same trenches for 22 days without respite. It was at one stage being required to cover a seven mile front. However by November 5th it was considered that the worst was over. . The Germans had failed despite superiority in numbers and artillery. They had failed to coordinate their assaults, failed to keep a reserve to exploit the opportunities their infantry had produced on several occasions. The book highlights the ferocity of the battle and I was lost in admiration for those gallant soldiers of the old B.E.F. British casualties between 14 October - 30 November were 58155, of whom 7960 were dead. It was thought that the German casualties were at least 134300, of which approximately 19600 were killed. The battle would have a profound effect on the rest of the war. Defence would now be superior to offensive for a long time. The book contains some very clear and concise maps; some new and interesting photographs of the period other than those from the IWM .Ian Beckett also did me a great favour by putting his notes and references at the end of each chapter, something to be applauded I always feel.
There is also a conclusion which tells of the aftermath of the battle and the factions who wanted the town left as it was as a memorial and those who wanted to rebuild it. I was sorry to reach the final page of Ypres 1914. Beautifully written, it is a splendid introduction to those who visit the Salient for the first time and a fitting memorial to the Old Contemptibles being published in their 90th anniversary year.
Reviewer: Maurice Johnson
