British Army 1914-18

In this episode, I explain how the Great War began in August 1914 before looking at how the British Expeditionary Force deployed to France. I go on to talk about the battles for Mons and Le Cateau before following the retreat to the Marne. I close with the advance to the Aisne, where trench warfare began.
 

In this episode, I look at the preparations made before an offensive. Then I look at how troops advanced, captured enemy positions and  held objectives. I then look at how communications were made and how the arms improved cooperation during the war. 

In this episode, I look at how warfare was conducted during the opening weeks of the war, when it was fought in the open. Then I look at the trenches, how they were laid out and what daily life was like in them, from the morning 'Stand To' to the night time raids.

In this episode, I talk about the organisation of the Royal Artillery from brigade level down to the gun crews. I then look at the specification of the field guns and howitzers and the types of ammunition they used. Finally, I take a look at how anti-aircraft defence developed.

This episode talks about the casualty clearing chain, explaining a wounded man's experiences as he recovers from his wound. It starts on the battlefield and moves through the dressing stations, casualty clearing stations, base hospitals and convalescent depots in France and Flanders. Then we see how the wounded were transported across the English Channel before they were sent to hospitals across Britain.
The episode also looks at how diseases and illnesses were controlled and how wounded horses were cared for.

In this episode, I discuss First Army’s advance to the Drocourt-Quéant Line and Third Army’s advance to the Hindenburg Line, at the end of August 1918.

In this episode, I explain what followed Fourth Army's breakthrough east of Amiens in August 1918. We see how First Army drew the German reserves north, opposite Arras. I also talk about how Third Army advanced across the River Ancre, around the town of Albert.

In this episode, I explain the three levels of military direction. I start by talking about the politicians based in London, how they were organised and how they directed military policy. Then I look at the General Headquarters (GHQ), which controlled operations on the Western Front across France and Flanders. Finally, I consider the role and organisation of the army and the corps.

In this episode, I look many aspects of the tank. I start by explaining the development of the tank. Then we see how they were organised before becoming the Tank Corps. Finally, I explain how tank tactics changed between September 1916 and November 1918.

In this episode, I look at the contribution of the Royal Engineers. I talk about the organisation of the engineers and how their work increased during trench warfare. I also explain the many types of work they carried out; from building and tunnelling, through to signalling and camouflage.