General & Miscellaneous European History

Fromelles 1916

Name: Fromelles 1916
Author: Paul Cobb
ISBN: 9780752468402

by Paul Cobb

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Overview

At Fromelles in July 1916 two divisions -- one British and one American -- within a few weeks of arriving in France -- went into action for the first time. Their task was to prevent the Germans from moving troops to the Somme where a major British offensive was in progress, but the attack on 19/20 July was as disaster with nearly 7,000 casualties in a few hours. This account explores this battle which for many epitomises the futility of the Great War. In those few hours many heroic deeds were done but the battle caused a souring of Anglo-Australian relationships and truly was a baptism of fire for these British and Australian troops. This is their history. In a new section, Paul Cobb explores the recent discovery in 2008/09 of a mass war grave on the battlefield and includes details of the findings of the archaeological dig, the recovery of 250 bodies and the creation of a new military cemetery.

Synopsis

At Fromelles in July 1916, two divisions - one British and one Australian - within a few weeks of arriving in France - went into action for the first time. Their task was to prevent the Germans from moving troops to the Somme where a major British offensive was in progress. This work presents an account that explores this battle.