Jim Smithson Knihy

"The Battle of Arras (9 April-16 May 1917) is known as a forgotten battle. Because of this, it is not one of the most written about or visited First World War areas on the Western Front; in fact, it lacks general awareness levels when compared to the iconic battlefields of the Somme or Passchendaele. Nevertheless, the Arras sector has much of interest for both the seasoned and curious visitor alike, with many visual reminders of the war a century on. Arras 1914-1918: A Comprehensive Guide to the Battlefields Part I is designed to both guide and educate the visitor around four years of conflict that Arras and its environs endured. Organised geographically by sector, all major engagements are chronicled and locations chosen to enable the visitor to gain a greater understanding of the fighting. Thus one can stand on Observation Ridge and, employing a description of the battle accompanied by detailed maps and photographs, gain a full understanding of the 12th (Eastern) Division assault of 9 April 1917. A detailed modern map then allows the visitor to move on to and contextualize one of the many cemeteries in the area. This is not a guide that tells one where to go or outlines prescribed routes but, by means of clearly marked key locations, allows the visitor to plan itineraries according to time, interest or inclination. Each location is provided with accompanying photographs and a clear description of what is to be seen and what happened at key moments during the fighting. Travel advice with regard to location accessibility (car, bicycle or foot) is also provided. Lavishly illustrated with maps and photographs, Arras 1914-1918 covers the area south of the River Scarpe including the British and Dominion attacks of April-May 1917, the German offensive of March 1918 and the opening of the great Anglo-Canadian offensive which culminated in the end of the war."--from publisher's website

"Wedged between the Battles of the Somme and Passchendaele, the Battle of Arras has often been termed 'The Forgotten Battle' with little in the way of supporting literature. A Taste of Success is aimed at filling that void -giving the reader an insight into a battle that clearly showed the development of the British and Commonwealth Armies over the early years of the First World War, and how far they still had to go to achieve victory. Why Arras became a focal point and the political background is covered in depth - being controversial and giving the reader an insight into the divide between the military and their political chiefs. A Taste of Success shows us how infantry tactics had improved and how the use of artillery had become a fine art in supporting the men as they attacked; how a preliminary artillery bombardment left the German defenders shattered, but also created the conditions that would hinder any kind of rapid movement once the first lines were broken. The key role of the Royal Flying Corps, how tanks were used and the vital role of support units such as the Royal Engineers are all examined in detail. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the initial success - based upon excellent planning and training - was followed by a chaotic confusion of command and control. It soon becomes evident that the development of the British Army in April 1917 had reached a point where in the Battle of Arras, they could stage a successful assault - applying perfect planning, but lacking the forethought to plan and carry out the follow-up phases. Controversially, although the performance of the soldiers carrying the fight is never questioned, that of many of their commanders is - it being clear that they were not yet ready to win the war."--Publisher description

Everything is a clue. Bonnie arrives on a remote sea fort off the coast of England to take part in a mysterious reality TV show. Competing against seven strangers, she must solve a series of puzzles to win the prize money, but this is no game - and the consequences of failure are deadly. No one leaves. Under scrutiny from the watching public, the contestants quickly turn on one another. Who will sacrifice the most for wealth and fame? And why can't Bonnie shake the creeping sense that they are not alone? The only way out is to win. When the first contestant is found dead, Bonnie begins to understand the dark truth at the heart of this twisted competition- there's a killer inside the fort, and anyone could be next. If Bonnie wants to escape, she needs to win... Are you ready to play?