Disputed Earth : Geology and Trench Warfare on the Western Front 1914-18

Geology controls the outcome of battle and no more so than during the trench warfare ofthe Great War; this new book by expert Peter Doyle takes us through the details. An understanding of terrain has been the mark of a great commander from at leastthe time of Sun Tzu, and most campaigns can be interpreted and understood from thisstandpoint.

It is the Great War, a war of trenches and dug-outs, of mines and mud, thatepitomises the struggles of commander and soldier alike in the prosecution of battle againstthe obstacles set for them by terrain.

This book, based on twenty-five years of study, takesthe geology of northern France and Flanders and examines such issues as: What createdFlanders mud?

How were the Germans able to dig deep dug-outs to resist the British on theSomme? and, Why were the British successful at mine warfare?

These and other issues aredealt with in this volume illustrated throughout with maps and photographs.