Book Description

A pictorial history of the German occupation of Flanders in Belgium during the early years of World War I. With photographs, captions, and text, this book follows the German Army’s presence in Flanders, from its arrival in September, 1914, until the summer of 1916. It examines the Kaiser’s Army’s battles with the French, Belgians, and British, concentrating mostly on the latter and the battles for Ypres (1st Ypres 1914 and 2nd Ypres 1915 and the gas attacks). The book features detailed text, around 250 photos, a timeline of events in Flanders, and a section on the German divisions that fought there. Also included is material from the home front. Each phase and aspect of the period is described from the German point of view using primary and secondary sources from both Germany and Britain. The illustrations provide a view of life on the front-line as well as in rear areas. Most of the illustrations have never been published. As well as illustrating German troops in the area, it shows how the war changed the towns and villages. A second campaign volume covering the period from 1916 to 1918 will follow.