The Battle of Bellewaarde, June 1915 (ePub)
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
File Size: 48.1 MB (.epub)
Pages: 328
Illustrations: 100 black and white
ISBN: 9781473838680
Published: 30th August 2014
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It was 2am on the 16th June 1915 and dawn was slowly breaking over Bellewaarde. It was exceptionally quiet, the troops of 3rd Division were situated on the western edge of Railway Wood and shrouded in a thick mist which reduced visibility and gave the illusion of safety. Across the few yards of no man's land, the German troops of Reserve Infantry Regiments (RIR) 248 and 246, and Unter-Elsässisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 132 were also blanketed in the thick damp mist. It swirled round their trenches, deadening sound and reinforcing the illusion that all was secure. Fifty minutes later the planned British artillery bombardment began. By the end of the day more than 4,000 men would be casualties on a field approximately half a mile square.
At the close of the 2nd Battles of Ypres, the German trenches between the Menin Road and the Ypres-Roulers railway formed a salient. From Bellewaarde ridge, situated on the eastern side of the lake, they were able to overlook the greater part of the ground east of Ypres. In early June it was decided to attack the salient, and take possession of Bellewaarde ridge. The attack was to be carried out by the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Division, with 7th Brigade in support.
The book is a tribute to those who fought and died at Bellewaarde on the 16th June 1915 and author royalties will be donated to a fund to help raise money for a memorial.
This is another essential book to have a copy of, for anyone who has an interest in the Western Front.
Jon Sandison
This was a really interesting book. I have never heard of this battle before. So I did learn a lot about it. The writing style was also good.
NetGalley, Linde Boon
As mentioned in
Epworth Bells and Crowle Advertiser
A fascinatingly-detailed book from historian Carole McEntee-Taylor who brings the battle to life with personal testimony weaved with strategic overview.
Burton Mail
An outstanding tribute to all those who fought and died at Bellewaarde on 16th June 1915.
The Great War Magazine
Highly Commended. 10/10
This is an excellent memorial and work of reference that will be of use for a long time to come.
Western Front Association
Carole McEnteeTaylor has produced a stunningly detailed account of this action complete with lists of the fallen and cross referencing to their memorial sites and regiments. The book starts by a brief overview of the Allied armies followed by more detailed examinations of the units that made up the orbat of 7,8 and 9 brigades as well as a look at the German units facing them. Royal Scots Fusiliers, the Wiltshire Regiment and the Honourable Artillery Company are all recorded with some excellent sourcing of photographs from both protagonists. Much of the initial collation of information was carried out by Martin Clift and there has been substantial translation of German source material.
Army Rumour Service
As seen in the Essex Chronicle.
Essex Chronicle
About Carole McEntee-Taylor
Carole McEntee-Taylor is the author of both military history and historical fiction. She worked at the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester for nine years up until 2016 and now lives with her husband David in North Lincolnshire and writes full time.