Military Model Scene

Title: Bloody April 1917
Author: James S. Corum
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-5305-9

Air Campaign 33 from Osprey, Bloody April 1917, The Birth of Modern Air Power. A 96-page soft-cover book, including the super artwork we expect from Osprey, this time by illustrator Graham Turner. A 96-page soft-cover book covering the Anglo-French spring offensive of 1917. with new battles around Arras for the British and the French at Chemin des Dames.
The Introduction starts us off with a useful and clear background to how France, Britain and Germany had all learned lessons from the year before, in 1916, and put new organisations, equipment and tactics into practice for the planned offensive of 1917. That is followed by a Chronology with key events from October 1916 through to August 1917. The next two chapters consider both the Attackers and Defenders Capabilities, including organisation, equipment and their senior commanders. A chapter on Airpower in 1917 considers to the various aircraft types used by all sides, including production numbers, quality control, new designs and the different training regimes. There were a mix of factors, some good, some not so good. The next step looks at the Campaign Objectives of the Nivelle Offensive, and bearing in mind the German army had already withdrawn to a new, shorter defensive line, the so-called Hindenberg Line, and this section also includes the complete Order of Battle for the 3 nations. This takes us into the key descriptions of the events of the campaign itself. It describes the successes and failures of the 2 offensives and how it led to mutiny amongst French army units, and it finished off with an equally interesting Aftermath & Analysis section.
In addition to the basic text, there are plenty of archive images throughout the book, so attractive artworks plus maps and battle diagrams. Another good addition to the series.
Thanks to Osprey for the review copy.

Robin