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Amiens 1918 book cover
Amiens 1918
The Black Day of the German Army
2008
First Published
3.71
Average Rating
120
Number of Pages

Part of Series

Through the spring of 1918 of World War I (1914-1918), Germany had been on the offensive on the Western Front but had failed to break the Allies at any point. In July they had been forced back from the river Marne and were once again on the defensive. The Allies were now ready to increase the pressure. The Amiens area was selected and preparations were made in great secrecy with diversionary activity at other points on the line. 32 divisions were involved (twelve French, eight British, five Australian, four Canadian and one American) supported by over 500 tanks and overwhelming airpower. The first day saw an Allied advance of 5 miles across a 12-mile front, with over 27,000 German casualties. Progress was then less spectacular but by the time the battle ended on August 11 Germany had lost 75,000 men, and suffered a severe blow to morale. Amiens was notable for its successful application of the new combined-arms tactics, fully integrating infantry, artillery, armor and airpower at the commencement of the Allies' final, war-winning offensive. Published on the 90th anniversary of the battle, this book sets the strategic scene and clearly describes the fighting, highlighting the significance of the newly developed methods of war and detailing the troop movements that brought about the breakthrough and rapid advance that was achieved.

Avg Rating
3.71
Number of Ratings
17
5 STARS
29%
4 STARS
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3 STARS
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2 STARS
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1 STARS
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Author

Alistair McCluskey
Author · 1 books
Alistair McCluskey is a serving officer in the British Army. He has served in the UK, Germany, Northern Ireland and Bosnia. He gained his MA at King's College, London. His interests include military history, particularly the Roman Army and World War 1, and Sunderland Football Club. He lives with his wife and son in the south-east of England.
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