The Battle Of The Selle

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This book explores a lesser-known aspect of the victorious Hundred Days of 1918: the operations at the River Selle. From October 9-24, the British Fourth Army pushed elements of two German armies back from the Hindenburg support line during the ‘Pursuit to the Selle’ (9-11 October), engaged in the set-piece Battle of the Selle (17-18 October), and advanced against the German Second Army towards the Sambre-Oise Canal (23-24 October). Contrary to expectations, the German resistance on October 17 was strong, challenging the notion that the enemy was a spent force at this stage. The Fourth Army faced its worst intelligence failure of the war, with artillery, airpower, and armor failing to effectively support the infantry. Ultimately, it was the infantry, engaged in a ‘soldier’s battle’, that secured victory. The book provides a detailed account of the fighting and tactics, analyzing the effectiveness of the Fourth Army’s ‘weapons system’ and the qualities of the infantry that contributed to their success. It also examines the nature of ‘semi-mobile’ warfare during the Hundred Days and critiques the British ability to pursue effectively. Additionally, it challenges the idea of an invincible formula for success and analyzes the German resistance, as well as Fourth Army’s planning and the crucial role of logistics and the Royal Engineers in achieving victory.