British Army Handbook 1914-1918, The

In 1914, the British Army fielded an Expeditionary Force of seven divisions totalling 150,000 men in support of France and Belgium. From these modest beginnings over seven million men eventually volunteered or were conscripted, nearly a million of whom came from the Empire and Dominions. Andrew Rawson covers the men who fought for Britain from the 'Old Contemptibles' (the professionals who checked the Germans in 1914) to the Territorials, Kitchener's 'New Army' and 'Derby's Men', the conscripts who eventually defeated the Kaiser's armies five years later. The impressive contributions made by the Dominions and the Empire are also examined. Aspects of doctrine, training, communications, strategy and tactics are explored together with divisional organisations and histories and the roles of the different Arms and Services. All aspects of the soldier's everyday life are investigated, including uniforms, personal equipment, weapons, vehicles, trench life, supply, rations, leave and military discipline. Personalities, both commanders and prominent veterans, and the legacy in fiction, poetry and film are discussed. Information on remembrance, cemeteries and sites of interest is also provided, making this an indispensable guide to Britain's Army of the First World War.