I was,
therefore, particularly interested in reading Jim Smithson’s book “A Taste of
Success. The First Battle of the Scarpe, The Opening Phase of the Battle of
Arras, 9 – 14 April 1917”, which has
recently been published by Helion & Company of Solihull, West Midlands,
UK.
From
first sight this book is wonderful and it is not easy to do justice to it in a
brief review. No expense has been spared in the production of the book which
compliments the time, meticulous research and dedication of the author. It is
beautifully presented with copies of original photos, maps, colour photographs
and a hard, coloured cover with a photograph of a tank. I had no idea tanks were in use in WW1 before
the Battle of Cambrai but now have a greater understanding of the first use of
these weapons.
The
Foreword has been contributed by a writer who has already written about the
Battle of Arras, Jonathan Nicholls. Written
on Remembrance Sunday 2016, the Foreword sets the tone of the book. Nicholls’ book was published during the 1980s
when many of the WW1 survivors from both sides were still alive and he was able
to interview then and walk the battlefields with them.
The
Preface of “A Taste of Success” begins with a quotation from a poem by
Siegfried Sassoon. Chapters 1 to 9 begin with quotations from poems by Edward
Thomas, who was one of the poets killed on 9th April 1917 during the
Battle of Arras. Jim Smithson starts by
explaining in detail the background to the Battle of Arras in 1917, going right
back to the early stages of the conflict before the trenches were dug. Detailed maps are included, as well as
photographs of some of those who took part. I was particularly interested to read the
accounts of the German and French regiments involved, for instance the
Moroccans in May 1915 and the New Zealand Tunnelling Company who were involved
in the preparation of the tunnels made when the Allies built upon the quarries
and caves underneath Arras.
I was
also interested to read about the German use of bobby traps when withdrawing
from areas.
On
page 95 is a very comprehensive guide to the different first aid posts and
hospitals to which the wounded were taken.
Smithson
also goes into detail about the difficulties encountered by the British due to
the sharing of the command with the French and the logistical problems of
transporting and supplying the British Army’s 1.4 million troops who were based
in France by 1917. Also explained are
the political arguments behind the army commanders, such as the Rome Conference
in early 1917. The final chapter, “Epilogue and Conclusions” is particularly
revealing.
In the
Appendices you will find copies of official documents, reports and memoranda,
copious notes on Sources, Bibliography and detailed lists of all the units
involved in the preparations beforehand and in the Battle itself.
This compelling
book is essential reading for anyone seriously interested in the history of the
First World War.
“A
Taste of Success - The First Battle of the Scarpe, The Opening Phase of the
Battle of Arras, 9 – 14 April 1917” by
Jim Smithson is published by Helion & Company of Solihull, West Midlands,
UK. On sale at £29.95, the book is available from Amazon, from Foyles Bookshop
in London and from Thiepval Visitor Centre, and Arras Tourist Centre.
