AN ARMY OF BRIGADIERS: British Brigade Commanders at the Battle of Arras 1917

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Provides an analysis of command at the level of the infantry brigade within the British Expeditionary Force's command structure. Based on a critical period during the Great War, the period from late in the Battle of the Somme to the end of the Battle of Arras in mid-May 1917, analysis is drawn from the service records of 116 brigadier-generals whose brigades played some part in the Battle of Arras. Explores their roles, responsibilities, and backgrounds, both in theory and in practice, in the lead-up to and during the battle to explain and illustrate the range and limitations of their commands. Then presents case studies of five brigadier-generals, their staff officers, and their battalion commanders. Research is drawn from a wide variety of sources, including diaries, letters, and personal papers privately held by descendants. Contains 32 photos, 16 color maps, 25 tables.