From the Uttermost Ends of the Earth | by John H. Gray

Description

The New Zealand Divisions campaign in France and Flanders was the birth of the modern New Zealand Army. At Armentieres, First Somme (with the first tanks in support), Messines, and Third Ypres is established a high reputation.

This was enhanced in its great encounter battle when int closed a gap in the British Line on the Ancre at Second Somme during German Spring Offensive in March 1918. Following this, it was in the vanguard of the final Advance to Victory during the Last Hundred Days. This culminated in its heroic Relief of Le Quesnoy, in the Battle of the Sambre, at wars end.

Its story tells of national sacrifice. 13,467 New Zealanders died in its ranks in two and a half years; more then in all three-Armed services combined in the six years of World War II. Long in the shadow of Gallipoli legend, the campaign in France and Belgian Flanders warrants equal prominence in New Zealand’s national consciousness. It is time to lighten that shadow.

This comprehensive military history in unique, as it also incorporates a detailed logistical guide to the battlefields (of great value to those planning a visit to where their fore-fathers fought) and a description of the contemporary Western Front. This is in the form of a 12-day pilgrimage diary.

135 wartime and contemporary illustrations and 41 maps enhance a moving narrative.

Pages: 400

Published: 2011

Foreword by Christopher Pugsley