Battle on the Aisne 1914: The BEF and the Birth of the Western Front

During the Retreat from Mons and the subsequent September battles to dislodge the German Army, the Aisne River played a significant role, resulting in heavy losses for the BEF. Historian Jerry Murland highlights the deficiencies and unpreparedness of the British Army staff and logistics organization, as well as friction among the command structure, which hampered effective operations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Aisne River played a significant role in two pivotal events during World War I: the Retreat from Mons in August 1914 and the fierce battles in September when the BEF attempted to cross it in their unsuccessful bid to dislodge the German Army entrenched along the Northern Crest. The fighting in the Aisne was intense and costly, with the BEF suffering significant losses. The three British Corps lost over 700 officers and approximately 15,000 men, making it one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Historian Jerry Murland provides valuable insights into the Aisne battles by examining them from both the BEF and German perspectives. He highlights the early deficiencies and unpreparedness of the British Army staff and logistics organization, as well as the friction among the command structure, which hindered effective operations.

The Aisne River was a crucial waterway for the BEF, as it provided a route to the French coast and the Channel Tunnel. However, the river was also heavily fortified by the Germans, making it a daunting challenge for the British troops. The BEF had already fought three major engagements and marched over 200 miles in a month before the Aisne battles, making them physically and mentally exhausted.

The Aisne battles were a turning point in the war, as they demonstrated the limitations of the BEF's tactics and strategy. The British Army had relied heavily on the use of massed infantry and artillery, but the Aisne battles showed that this approach was not effective against a well-defended enemy. The BEF also suffered from poor communication and coordination, which led to confusion and disorganization on the battlefield.

Despite the significant losses, the Aisne battles were not without their heroism and bravery. Many British soldiers fought with distinction and selflessness, and their sacrifices helped to slow down the German advance and buy time for the French and British forces to regroup.

In conclusion, the Aisne River featured prominently in August 1914 during the Retreat from Mons and in September when the BEF re-crossed it in their unsuccessful attempt to dislodge the German Army entrenched along the Northern Crest. The fighting was hugely costly to the BEF, which had already fought three major engagements and marched over 200 miles in a month. The three British Corps lost over 700 officers and some 15,000 men, making it one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Historian Jerry Murland provides valuable insights into the Aisne battles by examining them from both the BEF and German perspectives. He highlights the early deficiencies and unpreparedness of the British Army staff and logistics organization, as well as the friction among the command structure, which hindered effective operations. The Aisne battles were a turning point in the war, as they demonstrated the limitations of the BEF's tactics and strategy. Despite the significant losses, the Aisne battles were not without their heroism and bravery, and their sacrifices helped to slow down the German advance and buy time for the French and British forces to regroup.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399074544