Jack Sheldon Boeken

This latest ‘German Army’ book by Jack Sheldon covers a shorter (three week) timeframe than his earlier works. After an introductory chapter tracing the development of the Hindenburg Line, the author concentrates on German aspects of the bitterly fought battle of Cambrai from 20 November to 6 December 1917.The narrative splits easily into two parts. First the defensive battle 20 – 29 November followed by the counter-attack which saw the German Army regain not only most of the ground lost in the opening phase but more besides. Detailed descriptions are given of the struggle for Flesquières Ridge and the see-saw battles for key terrain, including Bourlon Wood, as the German Army rushed reinforcements to the sectors under attack before we witness the German offensive.As with his other books full use is made of primary source material from the Munich Kriegsarchiv, the Hauptstaatsarchiv in Stuttgart, regimental histories and personal accounts. Of particular interest are the controversial interventions in operational matters of Ludendorf which were sharply criticized by Crown Prince Rupprecht. But for many the most fascinating aspect will be the experiences of the front line soldiers.

By drawing on a very large number of German sources, many of them previously unpublished, Jack Sheldon throws new light on a familiar story.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 were a direct consequence of meticulous German planning and preparation. Although the Battle of the Somme was frequently a close-run affair, 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 defenses and so continue a successful delaying battle until the onset of winter ultimately neutralized the considerable Allied superiority in men and material.

Explains in detail how, from the autumn of 1914 onwards, the German defenders turned this key feature into a virtually impregnable position, from which they were able for weeks on end to repulse every attempt to capture it. This book draws upon original maps, photos and personal accounts of the German defenders.

Introducing a trilogy of books on the Battle of Ypres 1914, the last great battle of the massive clashes on the Western Front in the first, fateful months of the Great War.

Introducing a trilogy of books on the Battle of Ypres 1914, the last great battle of the massive clashes on the Western Front in the first, fateful months of the Great War.

Latest in the Authors acclaimed German Army series.

Almost every British regiment saw action in 'Devil's' Wood at some stage in the long Somme summer. This book examines some of the incidents and individuals who contributed to the history of the British Army and Delville Wood.

The shell-ravaged landscape of Hill 60, some three miles to the south east of Ypres, conceals beneath it a labyrinth of tunnels and underground workings. This small area saw horrendous fighting in the early years of the war as the British and Germans struggled to control its dominant view over Ypres.

Introducing a trilogy of books on the Battle of Ypres 1914, the last great battle of the massive clashes on the Western Front in the first, fateful months of the Great War.

The book describes from the German perspective the 30 month period when the Imperial German Army controlled the key terrain of Vimy Ridge. This is a superbly researched and written by the leading authority on the German Army in The Great War.