Читать книгу Craven's Part in the Great War - John T. Clayton - Страница 6

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The relative positions of the Armies in 1915 altered little from those taken up after the battle of the Marne, but there were many historic events during that trying year—the capture by the British of Neuve Chapelle, the two battles of Ypres (in the second of which the Germans introduced poison gas), the heavy campaigning in the Argonne, the bombardment of Rheims, the French offensive in Champagne, and the British offensive at Loos.

During the winter of 1915–1916 Germany’s initial hopes of success began to grow less rosy. The British Army continued to grow; Italy and Rumania joined the Allies; and on almost every side the Central Powers began to feel pressure. The outstanding events during this period included the smashing by the British of an onslaught from Messines Ridge and the repulsing of an advance towards Albert. There was terrific fighting at Verdun (where the French displayed heroic qualities), and the great Allied offensive on the Somme. There was also a British victory on the Ancre, and “tanks” made their initial appearance.