Vimy Ridge and Arras: The Spring 1917 Offensive in Panoramas

Peter Barton

Jul 2010 · Dundurn

About this eBook

In April 1917, Allied guns pounded German positions near Arras with almost three million shells. During the early stages of the succeeding offensive, British and Canadian troops achieved unprecedented advances, capturing a huge swathe of enemy territory, including the famous Vimy Ridge. After the initial shock, however, the Germans quickly recovered to employ inspired battlefield tactics that crushed all hope of breakthrough, despite the injection of Australian military flair.

The ultimate cost in human life was immense, with an average daily casualty rate 40 per cent greater than the Somme and almost double that of Passchendaele -- making it hour for hour the most treacherous British offensive of the First World War. It stands alone as an example of missed opportunity, wasted lives, defective leadership and poor communication. Yet the determination and doggedness shown by the troops on both sides was breathtaking.

In this major new account, Peter Barton showcases over 50 rediscovered British and German panoramic photographs of the battlegrounds. Taken at huge personal risk by specialist photographers, they reveal what no other photographs can -- the view beyond the trench parapet -- and a view not seen for over 90 years. Also included are many unpublished testimonies, letters, and memoirs, with stunning mapping, plans and diagrams throughout.

About the author

Peter Barton is a historian and film-maker. His previous books include the acclaimed The Battlefields of the First World War which he wrote after researching the Imperial War Museum panorama archive for eight years. His other works include Passehendaele, The Somme and Beneath Flanders Fields

He continues to lead an ongoing project to trace, interpret and publish surviving battlefield panoramas from sources around the world - widely regarded as the `missing link' for a full understanding of the First World War.

He has led several major archaeological excavations on the Western Front, produced the critically acclaimed documentary films The Underground War, The Soldiers' Pilgrimage and Conviction, and regularly appears in a wide variety of associated programmes including Who Do You Think You Are? and Time Team.
Jeremy Banning has been researcher on four of Peter Barton's publications. His specialist work benefits film companies, authors, industrial clients and individuals. He also regularly acts as a battlefield tour guide.

`An extraordinary oet of panoramic photographs that reveal the battle fields of the Western Front as never before.'