On 23rd August 1914 the British Expeditionary Force began what would be its first significant action in the First World War, as they attempted to defend the Mons-Conde canal from the German army. The action ended in retreat but led to the Battle of the Marne, which saw the allies achieve victory.
The Battle is surrounded by the infamous legend of the 'Angels of Mons', where bowmen from the Battle of Agincourt were said to appear as spirits to protect the British Forces. The myth originated from a contemporary piece by Arthur Machan, a popular writer of supernatural stories, yet despite his assertions that the tale was a work of the fiction the legend was in some quarters accepted as fact. The allegorical nature of the story continues to resonate to this day.
"...still provides detailed historical and travel information that supplements and enhances internet resources."
Journal of Military History
"...still provides detailed historical and travel information that supplements and enhances internet resources."
Journal of Military History
Used as a reference in Illusions and Disillusions, Vain Hopes and Great Disappointments
Stand To! No. 124
Used as a reference in Illusions and Disillusions, Vain Hopes and Great Disappointments
Stand To! No. 124
Article: '[i]Loving chronicle of Welsh war heroes[/i]' by Toby Neal as featured by
Shropshire Star, April 9th 2018
Article: '[i]Loving chronicle of Welsh war heroes[/i]' by Toby Neal as featured by
Shropshire Star, April 9th 2018
Just as gripping as The Great Escape , shows where determination can get you . A excellent read from start to finish .
Paul Woodward, Amazon Reviewer
Just as gripping as The Great Escape , shows where determination can get you . A excellent read from start to finish .
Paul Woodward, Amazon Reviewer
Peter Downham's editing of this book can only be described as first class.
He has drawn together good quality maps and has made excellent use of various photographic archives to illustrate the diary. The book is very well referenced and shows just how much can be added to a war diary to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the reader.
This book is a beautifully crafted work and should be part of any Great War Library. It is a book that helps the reader to understand just what the ordinary soldier thought about his lot in the Great War.
Raed the full review [link=http://westernfrontassociation.com/great-war-people/research-family-story/book-reviews-1/44-personal-accounts-and-diaries/517-diary-of-an-old-contemptible.html#sthash.vq7upJWe.wzb2y8aP.dpbs]here.[/link]
The Western Front Association, Martin Hornby
Peter Downham's editing of this book can only be described as first class.
He has drawn together good quality maps and has made excellent use of various photographic archives to illustrate the diary. The book is very well referenced and shows just how much can be added to a war diary to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the reader.
This book is a beautifully crafted work and should be part of any Great War Library. It is a book that helps the reader to understand just what the ordinary soldier thought about his lot in the Great War.
Raed the full review [link=http://westernfrontassociation.com/great-war-people/research-family-story/book-reviews-1/44-personal-accounts-and-diaries/517-diary-of-an-old-contemptible.html#sthash.vq7upJWe.wzb2y8aP.dpbs]here.[/link]
The Western Front Association, Martin Hornby
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Battle on the Aisne 1914
The River Aisne featured prominently in August 1914 during the Retreat from Mons. A month later it was the scene of further desperate action when the British Expeditionary Force re-crossed it in their unsuccessful attempt to dislodge the German Army entrenched along the crest of the slopes on its northern bank. Having already fought three major engagements… Read more...
