Taking the politics of Field Marshal Lord Kitchener's appointment as War Minister as his starting point, the author describes in his lively and authoritative style the dramatic events and dynamic personalities key to the ever-deepening British commitment. The reader is skilfully guided through the early mobilisation, dispatch of the British Expedition Force, withdrawal of overseas garrisons and the response from the Territorial Army. At the same time, Kitchener's now legendary appeal to the civilian population produced 'The New Army'.