The Germans at Beaumont Hamel

by Sheldon, Jack

• ISBN13: 9781844154432
• ISBN10: 1844154432
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-07-01
• Publisher: Pen & Sword Books

Summary

Beaumont Hamel is a name which conjures up appalling visions of the catastrophic reverse suffered by men of VIII Corps, British Fourth Army on 1st July 1916, when thousands of men were killed and wounded for no gains whatsoever. Ninety years on, the events of that day still exert a powerful fascination for those interested in the great trench battles. This book, which covers the Old Front Line from Redan Ridge to the Ancre, describes how the defense of the area became so strong, the reasons for German early success during the battle and explains how the British defeat of July was transformed into victory, when the fall of Beaumont Hamel marked the final flicker of success, before the battle was mired to a standstill in the mud.

Table of Contents

List of maps	p. 6
Introduction by the Series Editor	p. 7
Introduction	p. 9
Acknowledgements	p. 11
Visiting Beaumont Hamel and the Somme Battlefields	p. 13
Preliminary operations and the Capture of the Beaumont Hamel Area	p. 19
Development of the Defences, Mine Warfare, Patrolling and Raiding, Winter 1914/1915 - June 1916	p. 33
The Battle of Serre June 1915	p. 53
The Bombardment and 1 July 1916	p. 65
The Fall of Beaumont Hamel and the Battle for Redan Ridge November 1916	p. 89
Walks and Car Tour	p. 105
List of Equivalent Ranks and Abbreviations	p. 155
Organisation of German forces at Beaumont Hamel	p. 156
Index	p. 158
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