The Chronicler has been faced by many obstacles in endeavouring to preserve both accuracy and historical proportion while writing contemporary history. He would gratefully acknowledge that his {vi} critics in the press have shown a kindly indulgence, which arises, no doubt, from an appreciation of these difficulties. There has, however, been one conspicuous exception to which he would desire to call attention, since a large question of literary etiquette is involved. From the beginning a series of unflattering and anonymous articles have appeared in _The Times_ Literary Supplement, commenting adversely upon each volume in turn, and picking out the pettiest details for animadversion. Upon enquiry, these articles--in whole or part--are admitted to have been written by the Hon. J. W. Fortescue, who is himself the official historian of the War. On being remonstrated with, this gentleman could not be brought to see that it is not fitting that he should make anonymous attacks, however _bonâ fide_, upon a brother author who is working upon the same subject and is therefore in the involuntary position of being a humble rival. Having stated the facts they may be left to the judgment of the public. ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE. CROWBOROUGH, _May_ 1, 1919. {vii} CONTENTS CHAPTER I EVENTS UPON THE BRITISH FRONT UP TO MARCH 21, 1918 The prospects of the Allies--Great dangers from the Russian collapse--State of the British line--Huge German preparations--Eve of the Great Offensive CHAPTER II THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME Attack on the Seventeenth and Sixth Corps Disposal of the Third Army--Attack upon the Third Division--Upon the Thirty-fourth Division--Upon the Fifty-ninth Division--Terrible losses--Loss of Henin Hill--Arrival of Thirty-first Division--Hard fighting of the Fortieth Division--The East Yorkshires at Ervillers--The 15th West Yorks at Moyenneville--Recapture of Ayette--Grand resistance of Third, Fifteenth, and Fourth Divisions before Arras--Final German check in the north CHAPTER III THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME Attack on the Fourth and Fifth Corps Attack on Sixth and Fifty-first Divisions--Engagement of the Twenty-fifth and Forty-first Divisions--Attack on Forty-seventh, Sixty-third, Second, and Nineteenth Divisions--The German torrent--Serious situation--Arrival of Sixty-second Division--Fighting before Albert--Gallant defence by Twelfth Division--Arrival of the New Zealanders, of the Australians, of the Thirty-fifth Division--Equilibrium {viii} CHAPTER IV THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME Attack on the Fifth Army. March 21 The Fifth Army front--The story of a Redoubt--Attack upon Congreve's Seventh Corps--Upon Watts' Nineteenth Corps--Upon Maxse's Eighteenth Corps--Upon Butler's Third Corps--Terrific pressure--Beginning of the Retreat--Losses of Guns CHAPTER V THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME Retreat of the Seventh and Nineteenth Corps