Featuring maps, archive photography and detailed explanations, this account documents the beginnings of the trench warfare that would define World War 1.
In the autumn of 1914 the original British Expeditionary Force faced a heavily reinforced German drive. Field Marshal Sir John French, the British Commander-in-Chief, had sent his men north in an attempt to take the fight into Flanders, so they could fight across open ground. History tells us that this was not to be the case.
David Lomas chronicles the first of the trench-warfare battles, where lines that would remain almost static for the rest of the war were established. Although the Germans failed to reach the channel ports, the death knell had rung for the BEF, which was virtually wiped out in this brave defence.

David Lomas is the pen name of Deborah Lake who currently lives and works in Northumberland.

The Road to Battle

Opposing Commanders
Opposing Armies
Opposing Plans
The Campaign
The Battle of First Ypres
The Battle for Ypres and the Salient
The Finale
The Battlefield Today
Wargaming First Ypres
Further Reading