GERMAN ARMY ON THE SOMME 1914-1916 (Hbk)

By drawing on a large number of German sources, many previously unpublished, Jack Sheldon throws new light on a familiar story. In an account filled with graphic descriptions of life and death in the trenches, the author demonstrates that the dreadful losses of 1st July 1916 were a direct consequence of meticulous German planning and preparation. Poor Allied co-ordination and persistence in attacking weakly on narrow fronts played into the hands of the German commanders, who were able to rush forward reserves, maintain the overall integrity of their defences and so continue a successful delaying battle until the onset of winter ultimately neutralised the considerable Allied superiority in men and material.