For most of us, when the subject of WWI and the armies that fought in that conflict are discussed, one that rarely comes into the discussion is the Belgian Army. This country tried to remain neutral in the opening days of the war, but it proved to be impossible due to the German advance through their territory in an attempt to flank the French border. As a result, the Belgians were nearly completely overrun. However, their army and fortresses gave a spirited defense and slowed the Germans long enough for the British and French to get into position to halt the German's drive.

Limited to a small section of territory near the English Channel, the Belgian Army not only was able to prevent the Germans from ever moving past them, but  grew in size and capabilities during the war. This was due to the ability of citizens who were under German occupation to leave the country and join the army as well as the assistance provided to them by the British and French in terms of weapons and materiel.

This book fully covers the build up of the army, those heroic days and weeks in 1914 when the Belgians held back the German offense and their continuing defense of the northern part of the front until the end of the war. As with all Osprey Men-at-Arms books, it takes a look at the uniforms and equipment that were used by these men during the war. Assisted by a good choice of period photographs and the superb illustrations of Patrice Courcelle, you get a look at how these men lived and fought, defending what was, during most of the war, basically a swamp land dotted with small defensible islands. Because most of this land was flooded to prevent the Germans from crossing it, this sector of the front was unique in its lack of well dug trench fortifications. In addition to a look at the Belgian Army, there is a small section on the Belgian Air Force and some of its more prominent luminaries.

 This all makes yet another great addition to the superb library of Osprey titles and one you can purchase with confidence.

July 2009

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