Books published by Naval & Military Press

The development of banners can be traced from the standards of ancient Greece and Rome. Fortescue states "Before the end of the 16th century the flags of infantry, from their diversity of hues, had gained the name of 'Colours'". In military organisations, the practice of carrying colours, standards or guidons are used both to act as a rallying point for troops or to mark the location of the commander. The Colours of the Infantry are a set of large flags, unique to each regiment, so that the ordinary soldier will be able to identify it straight away. This is invaluable information for the military student.The historical association of Regimental Colours and the fact that they embody the traditions of famous regiments ensure for them the interest, not only of service men, but of all interested in matters military."A standard book on this subject," writes Sir Gerald Wollaston, Inspector of Regimental Colours, in his Foreword, "has long been needed, a book of reference both for the initiated and the uninitiated giving information concerning the origin and meaning of Colours and the regulations that govern them."Here is a well documented book with authoritative statements which can be accepted as standard work on this important and interesting subject. The compilation of this book necessitated over thirty years' research, and it covers a wide range of kindred historical matters associated with Colours.

The Franco-Prussian War was caused by Prussian ambitions to extend German unification and French fears of the shift in the European balance of power that would result if the Prussians succeeded.A series of swift Prussian and German victories saw Napoleon III captured and the army of the Second Empire decisively defeated. Following the Siege of Paris, the capital fell on 28 January 1871, the German states proclaimed their union as the German Empire under the Prussian King Wilhelm I, finally uniting Germany as a nation-state. The Treaty of Frankfurt of 10 May 1871 gave Germany most of Alsace and some parts of Lorraine.The events of the war had great influence on military thinking and lessons drawn from the war included the need for a general staff system, the scale and duration of future wars and the tactical use of artillery and cavalry. The bold use of artillery by the Prussians, to silence French guns at long range and then to directly support infantry attacks at close range, proved to be superior to the defensive doctrine employed by French gunners. The Prussian tactics were adopted by European armies by 1914, exemplified in the French 75, an artillery piece optimised to provide direct fire support to advancing infantry.This is a detailed examination of the campaign which terminated with the German reoccupation of Orleans. It took the Germans many years to realise the real significance of the stout fight which, after the capture or annihilation of practically the whole of the French Army, the people of France were able to maintain during a severe winter. The German conquest of France and the unification of Germany upset the European balance of power that had existed since the Congress of Vienna in 1815. French determination to regain Alsace-Lorraine and fear of another Franco-German war, along with British apprehension about the balance of power, became factors in the causes of World War I. This study of the Franco-Prussian War formed part of the 'Pall Mall Military Series' devised for British Army officers who wished to make a serious study of their profession. Colonel Hale's argument as to the value of a people's army as auxiliary and supplemental to a fully trained Regular Army looks particularly interesting in the light of the Great War's recruitment, conscription and Pals Battalions.

In 1914 the war passed through Artois towards the North Sea. The British Army, with its Indian contingent, fought a series of battles in Artois during 1914 and 1915 in which it learned the reality of this war. Towns like Bethune, St. Pol and Hazebrouck became important centres for the army while Douai and Lille fell to the Germans. In 1915 new names became known to the British - Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, Aubers, Armentieres and Loos. The battles at Fromelles in 1916, Lens and Arras in 1917 and the Battle of the Lys in 1918 kept this, almost forgotten, area fully involved in the war before the final breakout in late 1918 passed Lille and Douai towards Mons. While this area may be less well known to most battlefield travellers than Ypres or the Somme, the battles and the stories of the men who fought in them, and did not go home, are still of great interest. This book will help the battlefield visitor make sense of why the cemeteries and memorials have been chosen to be where they are as well as learn of some of the fascinating stories of those buried within the cemeteries and honoured on the memorials.

First introduced in the British Army in the First World War, formation signs at the division level were intended at first as a security measure to avoid displaying the division's designation to the enemy. They were worn on uniform and displayed on signage. Reintroduced officially in late 1940 in the Second World War, divisional formation signs were much more prevalent on uniforms. This edition of Howard Cole's study shows the state of play with badge design in the immediate post-war period when many changes took place.

Classified 'CONFIDENTIAL' post-war publication compiled by the authority of the Army Council, the object of which was to preserve the experience gained during WW2. This is a valuable volume that covers matters not considered in great detail in the main Military series. Very rare in its original printing, with 400 copies issued.Excellent official War Office account of all airborne operations undertaken by the Allies in WW2, including Arnhem, D-Day and Bruneval. The author was best known for his role as commander of the parachute assault on the Merville Battery on D-Day.

Edward Keble Chatterton (1878-1944) was a sailor and prolific writer who is best known for non-fiction works. His voyages across the English Channel, to the Netherlands, around the Mediterranean and through the French canals led to many articles and books. Joining the R.N.V.R. at the outbreak of the Great War he commanded a motor launch flotilla, leaving the service as a Lieutenant Commander. In 1918 he was appointed to the Naval section of the Official History Committee, where he worked until 1922.Keble Chatterton is unquestionably one of the most important and vivid nautical authors of the past century using both first hand accounts from the people that were there at the time and having the opportunity to access to official documents. Chatterton recorded the maritime history of Britain at its most momentous point of change, from sail to steam, from the advent of the submarine to the carrier. Writing with narrative flair and a passion for the subject, Chatterton places the reader in the middle of this full and complete account of the U-boat campaign from its initial stages when they scored a number of impressive successes against the Royal Navy,the attacks on merchant ships, and the period of unrestricted submarine warfare.Writing with narrative flair and a passion for the subject, Chatterton places the reader in the middle of this full and complete account of the U-boat campaign from its initial stages when they scored a number of impressive successes against the Royal Navy,then the attacks on merchant ships, and the period of unrestricted submarine warfare.

Edward Keble Chatterton (1878-1944) was a sailor and prolific writer who is best known for non-fiction works. His voyages across the English Channel, to the Netherlands, around the Mediterranean and through the French canals led to many articles and books. Joining the R.N.V.R. at the outbreak of the Great War he commanded a motor launch flotilla, leaving the service as a Lieutenant Commander. In 1918 he was appointed to the Naval Section of the Official History Committee, where he worked until 1922.Keble Chatterton is unquestionably one of the most important and vivid nautical authors of the past century using both first hand accounts from the people that were there at the time and having the opportunity to access to official documents. Chatterton recorded the maritime history of Britain at its most momentous point of change, from sail to steam, from the advent of the submarine to the carrier.The new policy of unrestricted submarine warfare was initially a success, but by 1918 the Allied anti submarine measures had continued to become more effective and by mid-1918, U-Boat losses had reached unacceptable levels, and the morale of their crews had drastically deteriorated. By the autumn it became clear that the Central Powers could not win the war. The Allies insisted that an essential precondition of any armistice was that Germany surrender all her submarines, and on 24 October 1918 all German U-Boats were ordered to cease offensive operations and return to their home ports.

Edward Keble Chatterton (1878-1944) was a sailor and prolific writer who is best known for non-fiction works. His voyages across the English Channel, to the Netherlands, around the Mediterranean and through the French canals led to many articles and books. Joining the R.N.V.R. at the outbreak of the Great War he commanded a motor launch flotilla, leaving the service as a Lieutenant Commander. In 1918 he was appointed to the Naval section of the Official History Committee, where he worked until 1922.Keble Chatterton is unquestionably one of the most important and vivid nautical authors of the past century using both first hand accounts from the people that were there at the time and having the opportunity to access to official documents. Chatterton recorded the maritime history of Britain at its most momentous point of change, from sail to steam, from the advent of the submarine to the carrier.A very fine account of the joint Royal Navy and US Naval anti-submarine operation in the Western Approaches, to break the German blockade during The Great War. E. Keble Chatterton was well placed to write this history as he commanded a Motor Launch flotilla at Queenstown during this period.

A "Westlake" classic back in print, this register represents a complete account of the cadet units recognised and recorded in Army Orders during the period 1910-1922 by the Territorial Force Associations of Great Britain. This title, along with most of Ray's works, is aimed at the military historian who wants to know the nuts and bolts of the British Army, and its formations and structure.Arranged alphabetically each entry includes the title of the unit, its date of recognition and the TFA responsible for its administration. Records of Affiliation together with any changes in title, disbandments, amalgamations and alterations in establishment have been noted.

The Austro-Prussian War, or Seven Weeks' War, was fought in 1866 between the German Confederation under the leadership of the Austrian Empire and its German allies on one side and the Kingdom of Prussia with its German allies on the other, that resulted in Prussian dominance over the German states. Prussia had also allied with the Kingdom of Italy, linking this conflict to the Third Independence War of Italian unification.The main campaign of the war occurred in Bohemia. Prussian Chief of General Staff Helmuth von Moltke had planned meticulously for the war. He rapidly mobilised the Prussian army and advanced across the border into Saxony and Bohemia, where the Austrian army was concentrating for an invasion of Silesia. There, the Prussian armies, led nominally by King William I, converged, and the two sides met at the Battle of Königgrätz (Hradec Králové) on 3 July. The Prussian Elbe Army advanced on the Austrian left wing, and the First Army on the centre, prematurely; they risked being counter-flanked on their own left. Victory therefore depended on the timely arrival of the Second Army on the left wing. This was achieved through the brilliant work of its Chief of Staff, Leonhard Graf von Blumenthal.Useful and reliable primer that was designed for use of Staff College students sitting exams in 1908, and as such gives a clear analytical account of this mid-19th century conflict. The Seven Weeks' War was the first war between two major continental powers in seven years, and used many of the same technologies as the American Civil War. The Prussian Army used von Dreyse's breech-loading needle gun, which could be rapidly loaded while the soldier was seeking cover on the ground, whereas the Austrian muzzleloading rifles could only be loaded slowly, and generally from a standing position. Superior Prussian organisation and élan decided the battle against Austrian numerical superiority, the victory was near total, with Austrian battle deaths nearly seven times the Prussian figure.

Classic fencing guide written by the first President of The British Academy of Fencing, Leon Bertrand, showing the basic fundamentals of fencing in an accurate and modern way. Bertrand intended his work to be a guide for everybody: the uninitiated, amateur, to the experienced and the master alike.Content:Foil-Epee-Sabre. Fundamental Principles. Lines. Foil Fencing. Offensive Actions. Defensive Actions. Combat. The Master Method of Teaching: Series of Exercises. Epee Fencing. Sabre Fencing.

The dictionary defines the word 'maxim' as a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct. Napoleon is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders of all time, and his military feats are well recorded, but his mastery of speech and propaganda are just as important. These collected maxims provide a valuable insight into the Napoleonic art of war. Here is the essence of Napoleon's knowledge and wisdom and the fruit of his practical experience.Contents:Principles of War. War Method. War of Marches and Counter Marches. War of Offensive and Defensive. War of Moral. Plan of Campaign. Line of Operations. Frontiers. Organisation of an Army. Marches of an Army. Flank. Army Corps on Marches. Command. General-in-Chief. General-in-Chief on Land and Sea. General-in-Chief of Van and Rear. General-in-Chief of Cavalry. General-in-Chief of Artillery. General-in-Chief of Engineers. Chief of the Staff. Vanguard. Crossing Rivers. Tetes-de-Pont. Camps. Tents and Bivouacs. Cantonments. Field Fortifications. Line of Defence. Retreats. Strong Places. Sieges. Lines of Circumvolution. Defence of Places. Capitulation's on the Battlefield. The Three Arms. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Infantry and Cavalry. Artillery and Infantry. Artillery and Cavalry. Artillery on March and in Position. Prisoners of War. Conquered Provinces. Great Commanders. Troops. Soldiers. Speeches. Praises of the Enemy. A General a Traitor to his Country. Pillage.

A new 231st Infantry Brigade was created in the Second World War on 1 April 1943 by the re-designation of the 1st (Malta) Infantry Brigade. This was composed of three Regular Army battalions that had been stationed on, or been transported to, Malta since the start of the Second World War and had served there during the siege. After Rommel's defeat at the Second Battle of El Alamein, in late 1942, Malta lost some of its strategic significance and the 231st Independent Infantry Brigade joined the British Eighth Army in North Africa, who were preparing for the Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky).The Allied invasion of Sicily was to be the first of three amphibious assault landings conducted by the 231st Brigade during the war. The brigade was constituted as an independent brigade group under the command of Brigadier Roy Urquhart, later famous as commander of the 1st Airborne Division, which was destroyed at Arnhem in September 1944. After some hard fighting, including the 2nd Devon's at Regalbuto amongst the foothills of Mount Etna, the Germans were driven from Sicily and the Allies prepared to invade Italy. Despite the success of the relatively brief campaign, the brigade sustained almost 600 casualties, with the 1st Hampshire's losing over 300 men, the 1st Dorset's 189 and the 2nd Devon's 113. The campaign ended in mid-August and the 231st Brigade was withdrawn for a short rest to prepare for the next operation. The 231st Brigade's second assault landing was at Porto San Venere on 7 September 1943, when the Allies invaded Italy.

A competent, concise tactical primer to the Battle of Waterloo that was designed to help the student of military history, particularly those studying for Staff College exams. Wellington's despatch, written the day after the battle, is usefully added.

Edward Keble Chatterton (1878-1944) was a sailor and prolific writer who is best known for non-fiction works. His voyages across the English Channel, to the Netherlands, around the Mediterranean and through the French canals led to many articles and books. Joining the R.N.V.R. at the outbreak of the Great War he commanded a motor launch flotilla, leaving the service as a Lieutenant Commander. In 1918 he was appointed to the Naval section of the Official History Committee, where he worked until 1922.Unquestionably one of the most important and vivid nautical authors of the past century using both first hand accounts from the people that were there at the time, and having the opportunity to access to official documents .Chatterton recorded the maritime history of Britain at its most momentous point of change, from sail to steam, from the advent of the submarine to the carrier.His account was at the time of publication the only book dealing with the naval and seafaring aspect of the withdrawal from Dunkirk of the British Expeditionary Force, it includes first hand information obtained from ship owners, and the officers themselves who took part in the evacuation along with official information.A valuable source for those interested with the naval and seafaring aspect of the withdrawal from Dunkirk, originally published in November 1940 it is an authentic account of the coasters and cargo steamers, yachts and motor cruisers, sailing barges and lifeboats, excursion paddle vessels, destroyers and sloops, even dinghies, that took their part day after day, night after night, and effected what experts at the time had considered impossible.

Edward Keble Chatterton (1878-1944) was a sailor and prolific writer who is best known for non-fiction works. His voyages across the English Channel, to the Netherlands, around the Mediterranean and through the French canals led to many articles and books. Joining the R.N.V.R. at the outbreak of the Great War he commanded a motor launch flotilla, leaving the service as a Lieutenant Commander. In 1918 he was appointed to the Naval section of the Official History Committee, where he worked until 1922.Keble Chatterton is unquestionably one of the most important and vivid nautical authors of the past century using both first hand accounts from the people that were there at the time and having the opportunity to access to official documents. Chatterton recorded the maritime history of Britain at its most momentous point of change, from sail to steam, from the advent of the submarine to the carrier. Writing with narrative flair and a passion for the subject, Chatterton places the reader in the middle of this full and complete account of the sinking of the blockaded World War 1 armoured cruiser of the German Kaiserliche Marine, SMS Königsberg. In the upper reaches of the Rufiji River delta, in what is now Tanzania, lie the rusting remains of the Imperial German cruiser Konigsberg and her attendant fuelling collier Somali, both destroyed by gunfire from Royal Navy warships during the early months of the First World War. The outbreak of the First World War saw Konigsberg assume its new role of surface raider. This lasted only a few weeks due to a combination of coal shortages and mechanical defects, which forced her to seek shelter for repair in the muddy backwaters of the Rufiji Delta. In her most major foray, she engaged and destroyed the British cruiser H.M.S. Pegasus at Zanzibar on 20 September 1914, and her captain struck the colours to avoid further bloodshed. This volume is based entirely on original documents and first hand material from actual participants.

A fine novel that is now only recently becoming acclaimed, although not that well known, based on the author's experiences with a 4.5-inch Howitzer battery in France, and giving realistic vision of life and work in the battery, emphasising comradeship and sacrifice. Falls awards a star and notes "one of the longest and most detailed of war novels... gives perhaps the finest picture yet painted of life in a field-artillery battery. He is sentimental in that shame-faced British manner which is really more sentimental than Latin emotionalism, but his portraits are by no means necessarily false for that. His attitude to the war itself is sane and just. This is one of the books which could not possibly have been written save upon the foundation of experience."

Included are the details for over two thousand honours and awards with, if applicable, the citations made to the soldiers of the British Commonwealth Land Forces for gallant and distinguished services in Korea during the period 1950 to 1956. In addition are the approximately one hundred awards made to personnel in Occupied Japan supporting the war effort in Korea.

A 1920's Gale & Polden training manual with both musical notes, and adapted words to explain the calls, intended for the use of both Trumpeters, Buglers and Instructors as well as an aid to Soldiers in learning calls,especially Field Calls that were confusing due to there similarity, such as Stand Fast; Charge; Gallop; and Rally. This a must for historical military re-enactment.Bugle calls are musical signals that announce scheduled and certain non-scheduled events on an Army installationContent:Part I: Bugle Field Calls. Field Calls for Mounted Corps. Field Calls for Infantry and Mounted Infantry. Field calls for Dismounted Corps. Part II: Routine Calls. Trumpet Calls for Household Cavalry, Cavalry on the Line, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers (Mounted) and Army Service Corps in Camp and Quarters. Bugle Calls for Infantry and Mounted Infantry in Camp and Quarters. Part III: Bugle Marches.

This is one of a series of studies on campaigns and battles by Lt Col Kearsey, designed to help the student of military history, particularly those studying for Staff College exams. This account was intended for officers studying the campaigns of the War of the Spanish Succession, and considers the battles of Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquit in relation to the Field Service Regulations, to which there are many references. This is work the result of a very great deal of study by a respected and decorated British Army officer who served in the Second Boer War and the First World War.

This is one of a series of studies on campaigns and battles by Lt Col Kearsey, designed to help the student of military history, particularly those studying for Staff College, and for promotional examinations on Military History. This account was intended for officers studying Jackson's audacious Valley Campaign during the American Civil War, and considers the battles of Bull Run. Kernstown, McDowell, Winchester, Cross Keys and Port Republic. This work is the result of a very great deal of study by a respected and decorated British Army officer who served in the Second Boer War and the First World War.

¿Very useful Great War period (1915) publication giving, along with regimental nicknames, a potted history, battle honours, motto and brief uniform description for every regiment of the British Army. Complete with 33 coloured uniform illustrations. Originally published by the foremost military publisher of the day Gale & Polden, who are well-known for their Military Series, and other works that were in use by the Military Educational Department.Sample entry: EAST LANCASHIRE REGIMENT(Depot, Preston) (record Office, Preston)"Gibraltar, 1704-5", "Cape of Good Hope, 1806", "Corunna", "Java", "Badajoz", "Salamanca", "Vittoria", "St. Sebastian", "Nive", "Peninsula", "Waterloo", "Bhurtpore", "Alma", Inkerman, "Stevastopol", "Canton", "Ahmad Khel", "Afghanistan , 1870-80", "Chitral", "South Africa, 1900-02".Motto: Spectamur Agendo (We are judged by our actions). Uniform: Scarlet. Facings: White. Head dress: Helmet. Cap: Blue. Regimental March: "Lancashire Lads".Raised in 1694. When first formed it saw much eventful service as Marines, and served in the capture of Gibraltar in 1704, and in the great sea-fight of Malaga which followed. In January 1816, a battalion of the 59th was wrecked whilst proceeding to Ireland, and nearly all of the men perished. At Waterloo, after the British squares reformed line to make the final advance, the regiment left its formation plainly marked on the ground it had occupied by the square of dead and dying comrades who had fallen in the grim opposition to the enemy's cavalry and artillery. It fought with great distinction in the Crimea, China, Afghanistan and South Africa, winning the highest commendations everywhere.Nicknames: "The Tripple Xs", also "The Three Tens". 59th Foot, "Lilly Whites" from its facings.

This interesting treatise was written in light of the European breech-loading rapid fire battles of 1870, when soldiers in the pell-mell of battle became too confused to think. The aim of this publication is to give the Non-commissioned Officer and Privates the habit of instinctive obedience to the word of command in the heat of battle, and as a matter of last resource to "fight on by himself".One of the well regarded Gale & Polden Military Series, the object of this dissertation is to make each soldier battle ready for future European Battlefields, with fire discipline within the British Battalion system.

Monumental cornerstone work on the Revolutionary/Napoleonic Army and its commanders. This is a thoroughly documented work of immense scholarship. It is the treatise of an experienced and seasoned military man, whose criticism of strategy and tactics is always intelligent and to the point. He contributes something new to the campaigns with which he deals, even though his main interest in them is with the careers of the future Marshals. The French Field Armies of the Revolutionary Wars (1793-1800) formed the military education of the future Marshals.

Monumental cornerstone work on the Revolutionary/Napoleonic Army and its commanders. This is a thoroughly documented work of immense scholarship. It is the treatise of an experienced and seasoned military man, whose criticism of strategy and tactics is always intelligent and to the point. He contributes something new to the campaigns with which he deals, even though his main interest in them is with the careers of the future Marshals. The French Field Armies of the Revolutionary Wars (1793-1800) formed the military education of the future Marshals.

Monumental cornerstone work on the Revolutionary/Napoleonic Army and its commanders. This is a thoroughly documented work of immense scholarship. It is the treatise of an experienced and seasoned military man, whose criticism of strategy and tactics is always intelligent and to the point.

The art of appreciating the brave and gallant is not new. They form one of the most important constituents of a nation's stability. History defines gallantry as commanded respect and appreciation. Whether being the appointed head of a clan, raised memorials in honour of the martyrs-brave souls or granted titles, robe of honour, cash awards or medals etc. The recognition of bravery has always been a very prestigious affair, since ancient times soldiers have been honoured for gallantry in battle. Over the years and in different societies such honours have taken many forms, but since the 1850s specific acts of bravery 'in the face of the enemy' by British and Imperial forces have been recognised by the award of a range of wearable decorations. These provide a visible indication both of the bravery of the recipient and of its recognition by the government and nation. All the members of the Indian Defence Force were eligible for, and granted, the British Empire's decorations for gallantry. The Indian Order of Merit (I.O.M.) was the highest gallantry award available to Indian soldiers between 1837 and 1911, when the eligibility for the Victoria Cross was extended to Indian officers and men. Consequently the highest decorations an Indian could get were the Victoria Cross, followed by the Indian Order of Merit, the Military Cross, Indian Distinguished Service Medal, Military Medal, George Cross, etc. The Indian Order of Merit ranks high among the oldest and most venerable of decorations for bravery, pre-dating the Victoria Cross by nineteen years and the United State's Medal of Honour by twenty-four years. The order was removed when Pakistan became independent in 1947. Pakistan instituted its own gallantry awards when it turned Republic. Foremost in precedence were the wartime gallantry awards: Nishan-i-Haider, Hilal-i-Jurat, Sitara-i-Jurat and Tamgha-i-Jurat etc. They can be awarded to soldiers in their lives, as well as, after their death as a result of their bravery and courage fighting for the honour of Pakistan.During the British times the gallantry awards include the ones which would be against the present sentiments of the Pakistan. They are included; the bravery of the soldiers involved cannot be denied. The colossal amount of the gallantry awards of the Muslim soldier needs to be recorded. In conclusion, let me add that if this brief survey inspires someone to take up an exhaustive treatment of the subject, I shall consider the effort well rewarded.

A well written personal account of service with the 8th Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in the 52nd (Lowland) Division. With good accounts of the Battles of Gaza 1917, and campaign in the hills to capture of Jerusalem. Boyd transferred to France in April 1918 and went into the line on the Vimy Ridge, then in July the bn. transferred to the 34th Div. Boyd was wounded by shrapnel during the series of advances near Beugneux (near Soissons).With very good coloured sketch maps of Gaza and the advance to Jaffa this is a distinctive memoir that is scarce in it's original 1919 "Private Circulation" edition.

Colonel Nicholson's Canadian Expeditionary Force 1914-1919, is the primary printed source, and the Official History, of the Canadian Army's involvement in the First World War.Immediately after the war a first attempt to write an official history was undertaken, but the ill-fated project produced only one volume. Some forty years later Colonel Nicholson, an established military historian, was commissioned to write a single volume, authentic, Official History for the Canadian part in the First World War, it was designed to meet the needs of the student of military history, the author was given full access to official documents. Illustrated with numerous photographs and full-colour battle maps, Nicholson's text offers a trusted account of the war effort, while also discussing politics on the home front, including debates around conscription in 1917. This is a worthy memorial to Canada's first great expeditionary force.