The tragic diversionary attack on Gommecourt on the opening day of the battle of the Somme is described and analysed in great detail in forum member Alan MacDonald's* two books self-published in 2008. (* Forum name bmac)

A Lack of Offensive Spirit? (pub. Feb 2008) covers the attack of the 46th (North Midland) Division - its planning, preparation, execution and dramatic aftermath. The 46th Division was the only one whose General was sacked after the 1st July 1916 and they were the only Division whose performance was investigated by a Court of Inquiry. The officers and men were subject to severe criticism and their reputation unfairly smeared. 'A Lack of Offensive Spirit?' sets the record straight and attempts to explain the real reasons for the attack's failure. 682 pages with numerous photographs, maps and plans.

Pro Patria Mori, first published in June 2006, has now been extensively revised and expanded for publication in August 2008. The book stands at 716 pages with nearly 300 photographs, maps and plans. The book describes the attack of the 56th (1st London) Division at Gommecourt and has been expanded to include:
An entirely new chapter on the appalling treatment and experiences of British Prisoners of War and an additional appendix listing all known PoWs
A Roll of Honour of the German defenders of the 2nd Guard Reserve Division
A vastly expanded 'Fallen at Gommecourt' section which now contains nearly 200 photographs of men who died at Gommecourt
A significant number of additional stories drawn from personal memoirs of the battle

Both books are available to Great War Forum members at a special discounted price from the Gommecourt web site at: http://www.gommecourt.co.uk/shopforum.htm