BATTLE ORDERS No 6 AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in the First World War were created from existing units, filled up with men fresh from the training camps, and deployed with only their personal weapons and equipment. This book examines the rapid organisation and training of the AEF, showing how it made so significant a contribution to Allied victory in 1918. Sturdy and formidable warriors, the Doughboys benefited from inspirational leadership and good logistics. The determination and fighting skills of the Forces were proven at Cantigny, where, in the words of Corporal Oppenheim of the 28th Infantry, they "put the fear of God…into the German Army with the defence (they) put up". Extensive research from primary sources makes this an authoritative and unique study of the AEF. Contents: Mission * Preparation for war * Doctrine and training * Organisation * Tactics * Weapons and equipment * Command, control, communications and intelligence * Unit status * Armistice, occupation, recovery and demobilisation * Comprehensive Orders of Battle for the combat units and support units down to company level. The plans and actual operations are detailed in colour computer-generated maps. Lavishly illustrated and with twenty Order of Battle charts and fold-out battle maps *