The British Army in World War I (2): The Western Front 1916-18 (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

Mike Chappell (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: January 1, 2005

In 1916, Britain was finally forced to introduce universal conscription to replace the terrible casualties suffered by the pre-war Regulars, the Territorials and the eager but unprepared volunteers of the 'New Armies'. In 1917 and 1918, the vastly expanded British Expeditionary Force became the most effective of all the combatant armies in France, its improved weapons and tactics forged in the furnaces of the Somme and the Ypres Salient. Shaken but resilient under Germany's last desperate offensive in spring 1918, it swept forward to final victory. This second of three titles charts its changing appearance in colourful detail.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

Mike Chappell comes from an Aldershot family with British Army connections stretching back several generations. He enlisted as a teenage private in the Royal Hampshire Regiment in 1952 and retired in 1974, as RSM of the 1st Battalion The Wessex Regiment (Rifle Volunteers), after seeing service in Malaya, Cyprus, Swaziland, Libya, Germany, Ulster and home garrisons. He began painting military subjects in 1968 and since then has gained worldwide popularity as a military illustrator. Mike has also written and illustrated many books in the Osprey Military list.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (January 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841764000
• ISBN-13: 978-1841764009
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.1 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,785,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Fine Piece of Work, January 23, 2006

By 

El Cutachero (MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The British Army in World War I (2): The Western Front 1916-18 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

It is hard to undersrand why this has yet to be reviewed as it has been out for a while. So here goes.
There is no need to rehash the contents of the publisher's blurb above. Chappel's name is enough to recommend serious consideration of acquiring it.
For those of us who see Mike Chappell's name on a publication know there is not much more to say. He is one of the finest and most respected illustrators working in modern times. His precision of detail is superb, yet there is no stiffness in his figures.
So when I see that Mike Chappell is both writer and illustrator of a work in my fields of interest, I do not hesitate to order it, for I know that I am in for an even more pleasurable hour of good reading of a most reliable work in prose and picture. His prose is just as vigorous as is his art work.
Just as I have with most other works to which he has contributed as either writer (too seldom) or as illustrator, I will put it on the reference shelf and consult it again.
So if you want a book worth reading repeatedly get those he wrote and seriously consider those others to which he has contributed.
At one time, Chappell published a self produced magaxine format series concerning the British Army in the Twentieth Century. Unfortunately they are no longer in print.

5.0 out of 5 stars GOD SAVE OSPREY, January 10, 2012

By 

Kurt G. Zeigler "BEF1914" (Central Coast USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The British Army in World War I (2): The Western Front 1916-18 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

I Love Osprey. And This Subject Matter Is Very Dear To Me As Both My Grandfathers Were Young
British Officers In WWI.The Books are Well Written and The Colour Plates are All Works Of Art Themselfs as A Figure Modeler I use the Books For The Correct Paints.Other Books If They Happen To Mention The Weapons Its Just a Gloss Over While This Series Gives Information For In This Case E-W Enfield To Webley The Writing is too The Point the only down side to me Is its all to short. I wish Osprey would Rerealse all Three In a Single Volume. with more artwork. and also sell the Plates as Prints. Here On Amazon.