A summary of the events and battles of World War One. World War I Events A summary of the events and battles of World War One.

Reasons for War Britain entered the war in aid of France to ensure the balance of power. Britain had the worlds strongest navy but the Kaiser was attempting to rival her maritime strength and already possessed the largest army in Europe. Britain was legally bound to aid Belgium due a treaty that promised to maintain her neutrality.

‘The Race to the Sea’ The German advancement south-east of Paris allowed for a flank counterattack from the Capital. Fearing encirclement the Germans pulled back to the River Aisne. The Allies advanced but couldn’t push the Germans back. The battle snaked northwards, trench warfare began. Each side tried to outflank the other but with no success. The BEF were sent to Ypres to assist the Belgium Army hoping to cling onto a part of the country and channel ports.

The Second Battle of Ypres Spring 1915 Canadian & T.A divisions arrive to hold the German forces at Ypres. Poison gas allowed German forces to break through trenches but the Allies held the line. Britain assisted French assaults at Loos & Festubert that proved costly, prompting General French to be replacement by Haig.

The Somme June 1916 A largely British offensive lead by General Rawlinson , near Amiens to relieve the French at Verdun. For 7days, a bombardment of German lines, with hopes to destroy dug-out and cut barbed wire –this failed. 1st July 1916 The first day. 57,000 casualties and over 19,000 dead, largely new army volunteers – Britain’s greatest military defeat in history.

The Somme September 1916 The tank’s first use, with an advancement of 3,500 yards but slow and frequently broke down not yet ‘war winners’. Royal Flying Corps had expanded and achieved air-superiority over the German air-force. November 1916 Due to appalling weather and the mud, the battle comes to a halt. Each side suffered c.600,000 casualties, 2/3 of the Allies were British.

The year of 1918 Ludendorff launches an offensive with the removal of their eastern front. 21st March The 5hr bombardment the destroyed Br. 5th army. The Br. 3rd Army and the reinforcements held out. 8th August Haig launched a counter-offensive near Amiens By September Ypres was recaptured and the Hindenburg line was broken.