In late 1914, German advanced through Luxembourg and Belgium towards France. Their advance was dramatically stopped at the First Battle of Marne. As a result, both sides dug in and a “Race for the sea” began. It resulted in a 440 mile line of trenches from the North Sea down to Switzerland.

These lines remained pretty much stagnant for the duration of the war in a bloody stalemate. There were a number of offensives from both sides all along the line but with defenders dug in trenches with barbed wire, machines guns and artillery, these offensives were usually fought off causing heavy casualties on both sides.

The Western Front saw the development of chemical weapons, aircraft and tanks as both sides tried to find ways to make a breakthrough. The fighting along the Western Front was a global event with many of the soldiers coming from British and French colonies. In addition to the Canadian soldiers, American forces were also in action after the US entered the war in June 1917.

By the end of the war in November 1918, 3 million men had died on the Western Front with a further 11 million being injured. It was supposed to be the war to end all wars.

2010 Tours

Throughout 2010, there are a number of escorted tours to the Western Front battlefields. Call 0208 816 8789 for more information, prices and availability or send an enquiry via the “Contact Us” page.