The dramatic World War I story of the events on the Somme after the great battle of 1916 ended and before the Germans withdrew to the Hindenburg Line. Boom Ravine was one of the most spectacular features on the Somme battlefield. The Germans took full advantage of the ravine's defensive possibilities, and inflicted heavy casualties on successive waves of British attackers. There has been a lack of coverage of the Somme front for the period between the British offensive of 1916 and the German attacks of 1918. Boom Ravine fills this gap, with particular emphasis on British actions in February, 1917. The losses incurred were especially ironic, for the German were already beginning a secret withdrawal to prepared positions twenty miles to the rear. In a few days, the British could have token possession of Boom Ravine without cost. As with other Battleground Europe books, Boom Ravine provides a detailed narrative of the actions in this sector, with coverage of all significant units and individuals. Then-and-now photographs and numerous maps and charts accompany an authoritative guide to visiting the battlefield as it is today.
