Page 4 - History of War - Issue 30-16

CONTENTS ISSUE 30

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28 Pals Battalions 46 First charge of the tank
191 016 TOM GARNER DAN SNOW
In September 1916, tanks
History of War’s Staff Writer
uncovers the tragic story of
during the British offensive at
Britain’s Pals Battalions, the made their battlei eld debut
volunteer units that were infamously Flers-Courcelette. Television presenter
6 War in focus “Two years in the making. Ten minutes and historian Dan spoke with us about
Harrowing and humbling imagery to in the destroying.” this momentous event, and just what it
commemorate the centenary. was like i ghting with, and against, these
31 Battlefi eld artefacts l edgling war machines.
14 Frontline: Somme PROFESSOR PETER DOYLE
Follow the key events of the offensive Peter is an expert in 48 Wacht an der Somme
from start to i nish, as well as the battlei eld archaeology and ROBIN SCHÄFER
major advances of the British and material culture of the 20th Rob is an historian, writer,
French lines. century. He has selected i ve researcher and battlei eld
of his favourite artefacts and locations guide, with an expertise in the
18 Great Battles: from his book The First World War In German military during the 19th and
1 July 1916 100 Objects. 20th centuries. Here he takes a look
This issue’s Great Battles focuses at the experiences of German soldiers
on just the i rst day of the campaign, 34 The Welsh Division during the campaign, with the help of
investigating how the tragic events of storms Mametz Wood i rst-hand accounts from the men who
the day unfolded. Discover the bitter struggle for this fought and died.
heavily defended position
24 The French victory 52 Nursing on the frontline
PROFESSOR WILLIAM 36 VC Hero: Second DR PENNY STARNS
PHILPOTT Lieutenant Tom Adlam Penny is a writer and
William is Professor of PETER PRICE researcher specialising in
the History of Warfare at History of War’s Research the history of medicine, but
King’s College London, with a specii c Editor has turned his also worked as an ICU nurse for 20
interest in the French army in WWI. attention to the assault on years. On page 52, she discusses the
Here he gives his assessment of just Thiepval Ridge. He recounts incredible horrii c challenges that faced volunteers
why the French divisions experienced story of how Second Lieutenant Tom and nursing staff as they treated the
such great success on 1 July. Adlam earned this prestigious medal. wounded returning from the campaign.
26 War poetry 40 In the crucible of the
GRACE FREEMAN British Army
Grace is a committee MAJOR-GENERAL
member of the Wilfred Owen JULIAN THOMPSON
Association and a Literature Julian served in the Royal Subscribe
graduate with a research interest in Marines for 34 years before
Great War poetry. Starting on page turning to military history. In our
26 she presents four poems and the interview on page 40, he discusses 56 Never miss an issue, get your copy of
stories of the poets behind them, with how the battle changed the British and History of War before it’s in the shops
a unique connection to the battlei eld. world militaries forever. and save a bundle while you’re at it!

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