Chapter 15 Summary and Analysis

In August of 1915, it became obvious that a major offensive in the area around La Bassye was being planned; the resultant British offensive would come to be known as the Battle of Loos. New divisions were brought up behind the lines, heavier artillery pieces were deployed, and artillery shells were stockpiled in vast quantities. As this was going on Graves was issued a six-day pass and returned to London on leave. He found it bizarrely otherworldly and spent almost the entire time wandering alone through the countryside, walking over hills. He then returned to the trenches in France and took up the command of a platoon in 'A' Company, 2nd Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regiment, 7th Division, British Expeditionary Force.

In mid-September, an enormous artillery bombardment supposedly began to crush the German lines, preparatory to an assault. The bombardment...