Paul Strong (2)

The aim and scope of this book is defined clearly in the straightforward title. It covers the role and development of artillery during the First World War by all the major participating armies. The two authors are both military historians, with Marble having a particular interest in artillery having also authored subsequently British Artillery on the Western Front in the First World War.

The book opens with an introduction, with the authors contending that the use of artillery during this war had a major influence on the eventual outcome. They raise the large number of casualties inflicted on opposing armies by the use of artillery and the effects on morale of troops affected. Following the introduction is a prologue on the battle of Le Cateau in August 1914, and how artillery allowed II Corps to withdraw successfully.

The core of the book is divided into five chapters covering each of the five years of the war. Each chapter reviews the key events of that year paying particular attention to the role and use of artillery. There is a three page conclusion, which proposes the view that all the combatants adapted their tactics during the war, but that the British Army ended the war far more effective than the German Army in respect of artillery and the ‘most effective artillery force on the ‘Western Front.’

There are eight maps included at the front, which I found of limited value only, preferring to use a First World War atlas instead. There are some photographs included in the middle of the book, and in the text, the authors refer to some technical details although I do not consider this to be a technical book about the various types of artillery pieces and ammunition used in this war. The authors have included an extensive bibliography listing their primary (mainly personal accounts), secondary and other sources.

By its nature, this book provides an overview of the use of artillery during the First World War and an understanding of the effects of its use and the tactical and technical developments during the war. I found the conclusions non-contentious and slightly bland as I had formed my views in the reading of the main contents of the book.

Although this book may have limitations to some, it delivered what it set out to do and gave me a more informed view of the role of artillery during the First World War. Personally, I found the main benefit for me was in understanding why opinions formed about the use of artillery in the First World War persisted into the Second World War and the consequences of that thinking.… (más)

One of the best books on the subject you'll likely to read. It is essentially a short history of WW I seen from an artillery perspective. Battles are described as artillery duels; infantry is mainly there to exploit the successes of the guns, or to be shot down in droves.

Due to its scope, it only gives the main outlines, so don't expect a detailed discussion of, say, the fireplan of the attack on Passendaele. Still, it provides a thorough analysis and gives a good view on the events. The main focus is, of course, the Western Front, but the Russian, Middle Eastern, and Balkan fronts get some attention as well. Particularly the section on the Dardanelles, although very concise, is enlighthening about why the events played out the way they did.

Another recurring theme is the importance of technology and the growing capabilities of the industry to produce heavy guns and reliable shells in sufficient quantities.

If you have to read only one book on the subject, this should be it.… (más)