Two battles of the first year of conflict This concise book contains two accounts, by H. W. Carless-Davis, of the conflicts of the first year of the Great War, brought together in one value for money volume because the short length of each account means that it is improbable that either would be republished individually in modern times. Each account includes a campaign overview, illustrations and maps, dispatches and in some cases first hand accounts from those who fought. The first account concerns, 'the Great Retreat' which took place in the late summer of 1914 after the British Army had fought its holding action against the advance of the attacking Germans. This was a long, fighting withdrawal which might have spelled disaster at an early stage of the war but for the professionalism of the B. E. F and Smith-Dorrien's inspired command at Le Cateau. The second piece covers the Battle of Ypres-Armentieres fought in October of 1914. Available in softcover and hardcover with dustjacket.