Harsh Realities: The BEF’s Offensives 1915

Published on 29 March 2018
Submitted by Dr Spencer Jones

In this talk, Spencer Jones looks at the plight of the British Army on the Western Front in the first half of 1915.

The British Army went into 1915 hoping to break through the German trenches and bring about a victory on the Western Front but things went horribly wrong at Neuve Chapelle, Festubert and Aubers Ridge.

On the positive side, the regulars were reinforced by the territorials and also Kitchener's New Armies, but the British Commander in Chief, Sir John French, became embroiled in the "Shell Scandal". 

Harsh Realities: The BEF’s Offensives 1915
Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:

Local Branch Icon
Your local WFA branch

With around 50 branches, there may be one near you. The branch meetings are open to all.

Trenchmaper Icon
TrenchMapper

Utilise this tool to overlay historical trench maps with modern maps, enhancing battlefield research and exploration.

Standto Icon
Stand To!

Receive four issues annually of this prestigious journal, featuring deeply researched articles, book reviews and historical analysis.

Other Articles

Gemini Generated Image Njgq9enjgq9enjgq
19 March 2026

A photographic record of the names on the Amara War Cemetery Memorial Wall

Read more
Gemini Generated Image 42Z2m042z2m042z2
11 March 2026

A photographic record of the names on the Basra Memorial

Read more
57 Baghdad Northgate Alternate
9 March 2026

A video record of the CWGC Cemeteries and Memorials in Iraq

Read more
Leigh Roose (1) (1)
8 March 2026

Football in the Dardanelles

Read more
Kut Cwgc Cemetery
28 February 2026

A Tour of Mesopotamian War Cemeteries in 2025

Read more