The book incorporates much information about the aims and objectives behind each battle, including discussion of the German attacks, artillery bombardments and technological innovations and terrain. At the same time, the book assist learning of how the BEF learned much about defensive warfare during 1914 Campaign.

Jon Sandison, Freelance

Rawson states that researching the events of the summer and autumn of 1914 has fulfilled a long term ambition of his to increase his understanding of the campaign.  In doing so, he has done us all a great service, and helped us all increase our understanding of this campaign, and others, in a lucid and informative manner. Similar to the rest of Rawson’s books which cover subsequent campaigns of the Western Front, this book can be read in one turn, or indeed broken into for researches purposes, depending in which particular section of the campaign you wish to research further. It compliments family research as much as military investigation. 

Jon Sandison, Freelance

The book gives a 'taste' of several well- known events- the first shot fired at Mons, cavalry charges, artillery actions, the London Scottish territorials and Indian forces at Messines, desperate counter attacks and the 'infamous' Worcester's charge that prevented the German breakthrough at Gheluvelt; all the events are covered sufficiently which leaves the reader wanting to read on- no mean feat

Western Front Association, A. Rawson

... what you do have here is a solid narrative of the BEF in 1914. An almost day by day account is provided, broken down by the Corps and Divisions involved. Maps are used plentifully, helping the reader to follow the movements described in the text. The conclusion offers some analysis of the BEF’s performance, as well as some of the crucial lessons that were learned as trench warfare set it. A comprehensive index allows individual units to be traced, and I would have no hesitation in recommending this as a useful narrative introduction to the opening phase of British involvement in the war.

WWI Geek

This books value will be in guiding early research on the BEF in these early months of the war.

The Western Front Assc No.105

The book concentrates on the British Expeditionary Force’s defensive actions during the retreat from Mons through to the advance to the River Aisne and the first days of trench warfare. Then moved north to Ypres, where it endured three long weeks of German attacks. Together the narrative and over 60 maps provide an insight into the British Army’s experience during those early days of the First World War. This is about the men who made a difference, the men who fought off many times their number, those who led the counterattacks and those who were awarded the Victoria Cross.

Pennant, Journal of the Forces Pension Society

Outstanding

The Great War Magazine

More than 60 maps chart the day-by-day progress of the BEF and these, with the author's text, combine to provide an interesting insight into the British Army's experience in the early days of the conflict.

Military Modelling Magazine