The Battle of Loos

by Warner, Philip

• ISBN13: 9781848840768
• ISBN10: 1848840764
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-09-19
• Publisher: Pen & Sword

Summary

Loos is a small mining town between Lens and La Bassee in northern France. But on 25th September 1915, and for a few days after, it was the centre of one of the most intense and bloody battles of the First World War. The casualties were appalling about 60,000 of which the majority died on the first day. The main objective a large-scale breakthrough was not achieved although some 8,000 yards of enemy trench were captured and in some places their defences were penetrated up to two miles. Yet if the initial gains had been exploited the course of the war might have been different. If courage and determination could have won the day by themselves. Loos would have been a success. It is these qualities which Philip Warner's narrative reveals above all. For a large part of this story of Loos consists of survivors' own accounts and diaries of the time, including that of Sir John French. The author has traced survivors from all parts of the line, infantry, gunners and officers, and through their words has revealed one of the most horrific tales of war yet to be published as well as the determination and heroism that in the end turned the scales to victory.

Table of Contents

Author's Note	p. ix
Acknowledgements	p. x
The Battle of Loos	p. 1
The Opening Stages	p. 4
The Second Day	p. 21
Extracts from the Diaries of Sir John French	p. 32
General Accounts	p. 37
Gunners Supporting the Attack	p. 65
47th Division	p. 79
15th (Scottish) Division	p. 115
1st Division	p. 134
12th Division	p. 142
7th Division	p. 144
28th Division	p. 147
9th (Scottish) Division	p. 159
Indian Corps	p. 193
24th Division	p. 201
Guards and Cavalry	p. 220
Appendix: Order of Battle	p. 225
Index	p. 237
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