Opening Shots

Words of those who fought in the first battles of the First World War



In the early summer of 1914, apparently unconcerned by the gathering storm and the colossal building of military might in Germany, the British regular army, reduced in numbers and not having fought a major conflict for over a decade, was at peace in its garrisons. When German troops marched through Belgium and attacked France, the British Expeditionary Force was hastily created and for British soldiers the transition from peace to mobilisation and transportation to the battle line happened within a matter of days. It is astonishing that the 'Contemptible Little Army' was not instantly enveloped by the advancing Germans who outnumbered them-often by much more than five to one. Some are jingoistic about the British Army of the day being 'the best army in the world,' however, the battle fought at Mons, the retreat to the Marne, the skilful command of the British staff and the dogged resistance of troops, who inflicted causalities on the enemy totally disproportionate to their strength, speaks for itself. The outcome was inevitable though and by the early months of 1915 the B. E. F. had all but been destroyed. Its tenacity had, however, earned the British sufficient time to build a new army, defence and response. This unique Leonaur centenary volume includes two works that bring to life the lives of British soldiers who fought through the events of 1914. The first contains dozens of narratives from soldiers at the sharp end of war, while the second is specifically about the first hand experiences of one officer. This is an essential book for those wishing to understand the impact of the early days of war on those who experienced it.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket; our hardbacks are cloth bound and feature gold foil lettering on their spines and fabric head and tail bands.