THE WAR IN FRANCE & FLANDERS

THE WAR IN FRANCE & FLANDERS - OFFICIAL HISTORY. 


This is the full republication of the post-war official history that was written by Major Ellis in 1953.
It focuses mostly on the role of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and includes a variety of sketches, photos and some excellent coloured maps.

It begins with setting the scene before the German Blitzkrieg began. From the appointment of Lord Gort to the training and planning of the soldiers. The planned tactics and the preparation of defences across France, focusing on where the Allies expected the German attack to come from.
Of course they were to be taken by surprise.

The narrative follows the six week campaign that swept through Western Europe, followed by the evacuation at Dunkirk and subsequently ends with the French Armistice and the final evacuation of Allied troops from France via the Mediterranean ports.
Although some of those evacuated at Dunkirk, quickly returned to Southern France, it is often forgotten that over 190,000 were eventually evacuated when the fighting in France ended in late June.

Despite focusing more on the British role, this is still a very comprehensive account of the campaign, as well as covering the many failings and indecision amongst the top brass.
What is again apparent is the bravery of so many soldiers, who were often up against overwhelming odds.

The book is a weighty tome at over 400 pages, also due to having been printed on high quality glossy paper.
That quality continues with the very impressive coloured maps.
Altogether this is a fascinating read that has been and will continue to be a point of reference for both historians and readers, for many more years to come.

The book is published by Naval & Military Press and is available from their website.
www.naval-military-press.com 

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