The Canadian Army Journal

His dispassionate analysis of the battle is grounded by his intimate knowledge of land
warfare. An ex-officer of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, his writing reflects his experience with
interpretation of ground, how command and control may affect a battle, as well as how
tactical innovation may determine the outcome of an engagement.
In the summer of 1915, General Joffre and the French high command requested
that the BEF engage the German armies on the left flank of the French Tenth Army
(General d’Urbal) when it launched its own offensive against Artois. Not seen as a major
player given that the French were attacking at Artois and Champagne with three full
armies, nevertheless the smaller British force was asked to apply pressure against the
Germans around the grouping of industrial towns centered on Loos. A detailed
reconnaissance of the ground by the BEF generals determined that it was the worst
possible place from which to launch an attack against heavily defended German
positions. Their answer back to the French was simply, no.
Strange how the politics of coalitions will often supercede common military sense,
and despite it being an unwanted battle fought on unfavourable ground, the British
conceded to French pressure and launched an assault towards Loos on September 25th
and embarked on a battle that would effectively spell the end of what little remained of
Britain’s contemptible little army.
Though officially the battle ended on October 8th, Corrigan completes an analysis
of the entire period of fighting through to November 4th, when the Commander of the
BEF’s First Army (Haig) informed his commander in chief, Sir John French that he could
do no more. For a sideshow, Corrigan points out that the Battle of Loos cost the BEF
16,000 casualties, and he has done a remarkable job of detailing the casualties suffered
as the battle progresses. As one reads the book, you can almost sense the draining
away of the BEF’s strength. From a student’s perspective, this battle provides an
excellent case study of the necessity for fire support and reserves, and how critical
timing becomes when committing these assets to battle.
Corrigan also makes note of several interesting aspects to the battle. He highlights
the level of leadership displayed. Several of the divisional and brigade commanders are
killed or wounded in action. He spends time exploring the fate of a famous son, that of
Rudyard Kipling the immortal bard of the British Army. Also worthy of note are the
sections that explain the dynamic culture of the BEF and how it was composed–who
filled the rank and file of the Guards, how the Territorial Force was mobilized, and new
army divisions fared as they did.
Above all else, one easily recognizes Corrigan’s comfort with his subject and his
application of a soldier’s eye towards the events of the battle. At all times he is careful
to remain dispassionate and objective, and examines the predicaments of the British
attack in context. This approach leads to a solid and well researched book.
The year 1915 is one of many lessons for the BEF, and Corrigan’s addition to the
subject will certainly help examine these issues further. Well written and very readable,
Loos 1915: The Unwanted Battle, is a recommended read for those interested in the
First World War.
Canadian Army Journal Vol. 11.1 Spring 2008 141