The Irish Divisions at the Battle of Langemarck 16 August 1917
By Michael James Nugent
Helion, 2023
Writing about one division is no mean feat, let alone two. Divisions were complex structures and to fully understand them requires breaking them down to their composite parts to examine their movements and actions, in order to provide a holistic overview.
In this volume, rather than taking a traditional ‘divisional history’ approach, Michael Nugent instead focuses on just one day when the 16th (Irish) and 36th (Ulster) divisions were in action – 16 August 1917. Whilst this does not provide an overview of both divisions’ activity and performance throughout the whole war, by taking this approach Nugent has forensically examined the events of 16 August 1917 to provide a comprehensive overview of how the divisions fared.
In reality it is impossible to focus on one battle without giving it some background and context. The divisions were seen to have performed poorly at the Battle of Langemarck, but the starting point for the book is the Battle of Messines 10 weeks earlier, when both divisions experienced a great deal of success. Nugent therefore sets out to examine what changed between the two battles.
To do this he examines the strategic situation on the western front that led to Messines and Third Ypres, focusing on the planning for the offensive in Flanders. The German defences are also looked at, as are the ground conditions and weather. A brief overview of the first two weeks of the offensive is then given, setting the scene for two chapters examining 16 August 1917 from the perspective of each division. The aftermath of the attack and some analysis of the day rounds off the book.
Nugent demonstrates how the two divisions were effectively set up to fail. The fractious relationship between Douglas Haig and David Lloyd George, Haig’s decision to press the offensive in Flanders, his appointment of Gough to lead the offensive, and support of the repeated infantry attacks all come in for criticism. Fifth Army staff work and the terrible ground conditions further exacerbated the situation. Both the 16th and 36th divisions were thrown into the line nearly two weeks before the Battle of Langemark, and by the time the battle commenced were already worn down and understrength. Poor artillery preparation was the final straw, as the infantry attacked through the mud only to be cut down in front of the formidable German defensive system.
Langemarck was, as Nugent states, a ‘dark day’ for Ireland, with losses almost as bad as those suffered by Ireland on the Somme the previous year, but does not receive anywhere near as much attention. Nugent’s work is an important step in redressing the balance.
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