Aisne 1918

This battlefield guide and history will focus mainly on the events of attack that fell on the British sector of the front between the 27th – 1st June 1918, although the offensive which also befell the French forces will not be totally neglected. This area had been a French held sector since 1915 and the French had fought one of its major engagements of the war here in 1917, the ill-fated Nivelle Offensive. French monuments and cemeteries dominate the landscape. The British were also here in 1914, and they too have left reminders of their relative brief presence. However, the actions fought here early in the war tend to be found mainly to the west of the sector. 

The battlefield of May 1918 scales the heights of the Chemin des Dames ridge, along the Californe Plateau and descends to afforested valley of the Aisne river and canal. The retreat of the Britsh forces during the course of the first day and in following days extends further south almost to the Marne and takes in part of the Champagne region.

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Some books that may interest you

The 1916 Battle of the Somme Reconsidered By: Dr Peter Liddle	Hull at War 1939-45 By: David Bilton, Malcolm K Mann	Hitler's Boy Soldiers By: Hans Seidler
The Rhine Crossing By: Andrew Rawson	Counter-insurgency By: Ian F W Beckett, Dr John Pimlott	St Valery and Its Aftermath By: Stewart Mitchell
The Battle of the Lys 1918: South By: Chris Baker	The Panavia Tornado: A Photographic Tribute By: Michael Leek	With Eagles to Glory By: John H Gill