Author: Alan Wakefield

Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Published: 2011-07-12

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 1844682668

“A fantastic overview of one of Britain’s untold stories from the Great War”—the Salonika Campaign that pitted Allied forces against the Bulgarians (Burton Mail). The authors have researched the Salonika Campaign in every detail, from the arrival of the first British troops in 1915 to final victory. During this period large numbers of British and Allied troops were tied up in the strategically vital Balkans. Salonika was converted into a vast military base and over 70 miles of defensive works were created. We learn of the disappointments of the British XII Corps offensive in April/May 1917 (The First Battle of Doiran) and the more successful aggressive raiding in the Struma Valley. Using firsthand accounts, a vivid picture of life in the British Army is painted, with the roles of the Royal Flying Corps/RAF and RNAS well covered. The campaign drew to a victorious conclusion with the defeat of the Bulgarians in 1918 but the British Salonika Army remained in place until 1921. The effect of this slow demobilization is also covered. “This impressive work demonstrates vividly that the Allied involvement in this region was anything other than a ‘sideshow.’ This would be a superb book to add to any Great War collection.” —Great War Magazine “The authors have addressed one of the great omissions by historians covering WWI. This is a well-researched study of a subject that has received far less than its deserved attention. The photo-plate section is well selected and maps in the body of the book help in the understanding of this unfamiliar part of WWI—Very Highly Recommended.” —Firetrench