"Gentlemen, we may not make history tomorrow, but we shall certainly change the geography." So said General Plumer before 600 tons of explosives were detonated under the German positions on Messines Ridge in 1917. First published in 1998 and featuring first-hand accounts from the combatants of both sides, Pillars of Fire looks at the action from all levels and re-assesses the reasons for Plumer's success on the day, the implications of Haig's failure to exploit it and the legacy of the battle for the maturing of the BEF in 1918.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Ian Passingham's account of the battel of Messens is with out doubt of of the best works covering this highly sucessfull battelyet published. Involving troops from both Britian and the Comonwealth Messens showed what was possible within the confines of WW1 infantry tactics and was a glimps of what may have been possible latter in 1917 given the continuation of the leadership shown at Messens. Vital reading for all interested in WW1,Pillars of Fire would also be of interest to those from Britian and the Comonwealth whos faimly menbers took part with the ANZAC Divisions.
6 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Few people outside military historians will have heard of the 3rd Battle of Ypres, however few anglophones will not have heard the name Passchendaele.
Ian Passingham's work details the first and highly successful phase of the battle, the taking of the southern range of ridges around the Belgian town of Ypres.
He explores in detail the actions of all arms engaged, including those of the Australians, New Zealander and Canadians who played such a great part. The real beauty of Passingham's book though is its shear readabilty, especially for those who would not normally consider themselves students of warfare.
What emerges in Passingham's book is a story of what could have been had the success of the opening of the battle been continued. That the battle bogged down in the mud of the Flanders Plain with all the attendant horror that the name Passchendaele conjures up is one of the greatest tragedies of the Great War.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found very little material about the Battle of Messines Ridge when researching for my own book (Letters from the Trenches) about my grandfather, who's first experience of Battle was at Messines.Letters from the Trenches: A Soldier of the Great War This book would have been a tremendous resource.
It is very readable. I completed it in one sitting - during a long air flight, so well done Mr Passingham. Well done for giving General Plumer the credit that he undoubtedly deserves!
It is very readable. I completed it in one sitting - during a long air flight, so well done Mr Passingham. Well done for giving General Plumer the credit that he undoubtedly deserves!
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