Overview

Wedged between the Battles of the Somme and Passchendaele, the Battle of Arras has often been termed 'The Forgotten Battle' with little in the way of supporting literature. A Taste of Success is aimed at filling that void - giving the reader an insight into a battle that clearly showed the development of the British and Commonwealth Armies over the early years of the First World War, and how far they still had to go to achieve victory. Why Arras became a focal point and the political background is covered in depth - being controversial and giving the reader an insight into the divide between the military and their political chiefs. A Taste of Success shows us how infantry tactics had improved and how the use of artillery had become a fine art in supporting the men as they attacked; how a preliminary artillery bombardment left the German defenders shattered, but also created the conditions that would hinder any kind of rapid movement once the first lines were broken. The key role of the Royal Flying Corps, how tanks were used and the vital role of support units such as the Royal Engineers are all examined in detail. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the initial success - based upon excellent planning and training - was followed by a chaotic confusion of command and control. It soon becomes evident that the development of the British Army in April 1917 had reached a point where in the Battle of Arras, they could stage a successful assault - applying perfect planning, but lacking the forethought to plan and carry out the follow-up phases. Controversially, although the performance of the soldiers carrying the fight is never questioned, that of many of their commanders is - it being clear that they were not yet ready to win the war. A great deal of the work is based upon primary material, with both British and German sources being used to deepen the analysis of events and also to challenge myths and previous descriptions of the battle. A Taste of Success presents a fresh and important reassessment of this important, yet generally ignored, battle as we approach its centenary. This book contains 16 colour images and maps - in addition to many illustrations, maps and diagrams - throughout the text. AUTHOR: Born in Sheffield, Jim Smithson graduated from Durham University in 1990, after which he taught for the British forces schools in Germany. Retiring after 32 years service, he settled near Arras to pursue his passion for the First and Second World Wars. Working as a battlefield guide on the Western Front has provided Jim with the opportunity to share his enthusiasm with others. It was only natural that this guidebook should have as its subject, the very battlefield on which he lives. 16 pages colour ills & maps, approx 40 b/w ills, approx 40 b/w maps t/out, 3-4 tables

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9781804510438

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Reviews

""" ... a detailed, meticulously researched narrative and a fine, balanced analysis. It deserves a place on the bookshelves of all those with an interest in the Great War, and brings this much neglected battle to our attention.""-- ""Australian Army Journa"" "" ... an impressively original and seminal work of outstanding scholarship... A critically precise and comprehensive work from beginning to end, ""A Taste Of Success"" is unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and academic library World War I military history collections and supplemental studies reading lists.""-- ""Midwest Book Review"" "" ... A valuable addition to understanding the Battle of Arras overall...""-- ""Stand To!"" ""Once again, a word for Helion's production: glossy, good quality paper; some colour photographs and great design for a very reasonable price...as a text to underpin any tour of this area, it is simply a must.""-- ""The Long, Long Trail"" ""The author doesn't hold back with the criticism of commanders on the ground...Production standards are excellent.""-- ""The Armourer"""

... a detailed, meticulously researched narrative and a fine, balanced analysis. It deserves a place on the bookshelves of all those with an interest in the Great War, and brings this much neglected battle to our attention. -- Australian Army Journa ... an impressively original and seminal work of outstanding scholarship... A critically precise and comprehensive work from beginning to end, A Taste Of Success is unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and academic library World War I military history collections and supplemental studies reading lists. -- Midwest Book Review ... A valuable addition to understanding the Battle of Arras overall... -- Stand To! Once again, a word for Helion's production: glossy, good quality paper; some colour photographs and great design for a very reasonable price...as a text to underpin any tour of this area, it is simply a must. -- The Long, Long Trail The author doesn't hold back with the criticism of commanders on the ground...Production standards are excellent. -- The Armourer

Author Information

Born in Sheffield, Jim Smithson graduated from Durham University in 1990, after which he taught for the British forces schools in Germany. Retiring after 32 years service, he settled near Arras to pursue his passion for the First and Second World Wars. Working as a battlefield guide on the Western Front has provided Jim with the opportunity to share his enthusiasm with others. It was only natural that this guidebook should have as its subject, the very battlefield on which he lives.

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