The book covers the actions of the German Army in the Low Countries during 1915 and 1916. In its broad compass it looks at the battles with the French, Belgians and British, concentrating mostly on the latter. Both 1915 and 1916 were very active years for the Central Powers and the Allies. After a quiet start with minor fighting April 1915 saw gas attacks against Hill 60, followed by 2nd Ypres and intermittent attacks throughout the remainder of the year. There was also considerable naval and air activity through the year. 1916 was arguably the most dramatic year of the War, not least for the Allied Somme offensive. This work, which follows on from the author's German Army in Flanders 1914 in the same series, includes notes on the divisions that fought there and a chronological order of events as they unfolded. Where relevant, material from the German home front is included. Each phase and aspect of the period is detailed from the German point of view using primary and secondary sources from both Germany and Britain. The illustrations provide a pictorial background in both a specific and general form, highlighting life in the front-line as well as rear areas and show how the War affected the towns and villages of the region. ILLUSTRATIONS: 250 b/w photos

Author Biography

David Bilton is a retired teacher who spends his time looking after his family, working as a University lecturer and researching the Great War. He is the prolific author of numerous books about the British Army, the Home Front and the German Army. His first book, The Hull Pals, became the BBC 2 series The Trench. Since he started writing he has contributed to many television and radio programmes. His interest in the Great War was ignited by his grandfather's refusal to talk about his experiences in Gallipoli and on the Western Front.