Author Paul Kendall recently visited the Chemin des Dames where the First Battle of the Aisne took place in 1914. Paul presented a copy of his latest work (Aisne 1914: The Dawn of Trench Warfare) to a host of dignitaries.
The first trenches of the Western Front were dug in this engagement, beginning the line that would stretch from the Swiss frontier to the North Sea. The Battle of the Aisne saw the dawn of trench warfare and stalemate which would come to epitomise the entire conflict in Europe.
From left to right:
Frank Villart, UNESCO representative responsible for Great War sites in France. Madame Belloit, Director of the Caverne du Dragon Museum. Andrew Murrison MP, appointed by David Cameron as secretary dealing with WWI commemorations 2014-18. Yves Fohlen, co curator of Caverne du Dragon Museum and premier battle site guide in France.
Aisne 1914 has also been praised in the July edition of Military History Monthly:
“Paul Kendal’s book sets a new standard in the publication of texts relating to the First World War. It is a work of prodigious research…[it] should be read by anyone”.
