Loos is a small mining town between Lens and La Bassee in northern
France. But on 25th September 1915, and for a few days after, it was the
centre of one of the most intense and bloody battles of the First World
War. The casualties were appalling about 60,000 of which the majority
died on the first day. The main objective a large-scale breakthrough was
not achieved although some 8,000 yards of enemy trench were captured and
in some places their defenses were penetrated up to two miles. Yet if
the initial gains had been exploited the course of the war might have
been different. If courage and determination could have won the day by
themselves. Loos would have been a success. It is these qualities which
Philip Warners narrative reveals above all. For a large part of this
story of Loos consists of survivors own accounts and diaries of the
time, including that of Sir John French. The author has traced survivors
from all parts of the line, infantry, gunners and officers, and through
their words has revealed one of the most horrific tales of war yet to be
published as well as the determination and heroism that in the end
turned the scales to victory.
