Le Quesnoy 1918

A thrilling account of daring and victory at the First World War's close . Superbly written, stunningly illustrated, easily read. Pugsley provides fitting coda to Great War publishing

The New Zealand Division's capture of the French town of Le Quesnoy was its last and most successful action in the First World War. Breaking through defensive lines and scaling the town walls by ladder, the New Zealanders overwhelmed the defenders, freeing the town after years of German occupation. It was a victory that resounded around the world, and helped convince German high command they could no longer hold the front. Based on his intimate knowledge of the landscape and those involved, Dr Christopher Pugsley puts together the story with his mastery of drama and detail - producing a book that is thrilling at the same time as a tribute to the New Zealanders who died (and whose details are fully recorded here for the first time). Strikingly illustrated with maps, photographs and the stunning paintings of the battle by George Butler, Le Quesnoy 1918 will be an inspiring read for this summer and many seasons beyond.

New 2020 Edition - New cover, with additions to contents.

'The book is a wonderful account of a job well done.' – Oliver Riddell, Otago Daily Times

Dr Christopher Pugsley is one of New Zealand's leading historians. A retired Lieutenant-Colonel in the New Zealand Army, he was a lecturer in military studies in New Zealand, Australia and UK until his retirement in 2012. His latest work is The Camera in the Crowd: Filming New Zealand in Peace and War, 1895-1920.

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