Messines 1917: The Zenith of Siege Warfare

Osprey Pub Co, 2010. New book, 96 pages, CAM225. At 0310 hours on 7 June 1917, the pre-dawn gloom on the Western Front was shattered by the ‘pillars of fire’ - the rapid detonation of 19 huge mines, secreted in tunnels under the German lines and containing 450 tonnes of explosives. Admitted by the Germans to be a ‘masterstroke’, the devastating blasts caused 10,000 soldiers to later be posted simply as ‘missing’. Launching a pre-planned attack into the carnage, supported by tanks and a devastating artillery barrage, the British took the strategic objective of Messines Ridge within hours. A rare example of innovation and success in the First World War, this book is a fresh and timely examination of a fascinating campaign. Contents: Origins of the campaign, Chronology, Opposing commanders, Opposing forces, Opposing plans, The battle of Messines, Aftermath, The battlefield today, Further reading, Index.. Soft Cover. As New. Illus. by Dennis, Peter. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.