# Now It Can Be Told — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Now It Can Be Told by Philip Gibbs.

- [Now It Can Be Told](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/now-it-can-be-told.md): The narrator reflects on the true nature of war, revealing the hidden horrors and disillusionment that soldiers faced, contrasting the official narratives with the grim reality of combat and its aftermath.
- [Part I: Observers and Commanders](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/part-i-observers-and-commanders.md): The narrator reflects on the role of war correspondents during World War I, describing the immense psychological toll of witnessing death and suffering daily, the grueling work of covering battles across a hundred-mile f
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/i.md): The narrator, a war correspondent, describes the initial rush to report on World War I, the chaos of civilian flight, the horrors of wounded soldiers, and the profound disconnect between those who witnessed the war's bru
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ii.md): The War Office reluctantly authorizes war correspondents in 1915, breaking Lord Kitchener's prejudice. The narrator is among the first accredited correspondents, initially on an experimental visit in March, then fully cr
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iii.md): The narrator describes the early days of his war correspondence, living in a small château near General Headquarters at St.-Omer, and the routine of traveling to the front lines. He reflects on the character of the colon
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iv.md): The narrator describes a tense visit to a brigade headquarters near Vermelles under German bombardment, observing the psychological strain on officers and men, the hostility of regular staff towards war correspondents, a
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/v.md): A young gunner officer recounts the brutal capture of the Château of Vermelles, describing a savage close-quarters fight where French soldiers stormed the building, fought hand-to-hand with Germans, and used a statue of 
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vi.md): The narrator visits the ruined château of Vermelles and the nearby cemetery, encountering a gunner battery of the New Army. He observes the destruction, the stench of death, and the camaraderie of the gunner officers, co
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vii.md): The narrator describes the war correspondents' daily life and struggles: building rapport with fighting units, witnessing the constant loss of officers and men, enduring physical hardships, and racing against time to fil
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/viii.md): The narrator describes a formal reception by Sir John French at his château headquarters near St.-Omer, contrasting the serene setting with the grim reality of the front. Sir John's speech is recalled, and later, during 
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ix.md): The narrator reflects on the war correspondents' relationship with the British high command, from Sir Douglas Haig's initial hostility and condescension to his eventual recognition of their role in sustaining morale and 
- [X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/x.md): The narrator describes General Headquarters at Montreuil as a place of pageantry and unreality, contrasting sharply with the brutal front lines. He observes the staff officers in their red tabs and decorations, the Comma
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xi.md): The chapter recounts an incident where a soldier, driven by drink and the harsh deprivation of war, attempts to assault a French girl. He is arrested, identified by the girl, and faces the possibility of execution by cou
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xii.md): The narrator visits battalion headquarters near Kemmel and witnesses the aftermath of a death sentence for cowardice. An officer coldly condemns a soldier who admitted to leaving his post due to shell-shock. Later, the n
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiii.md): The chapter recounts the tragic stories of soldiers who could not endure shellfire, focusing on two men sentenced to death for cowardice. One young officer, brave under machine-gun fire but terrified of high explosives, 
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiv.md): The chapter describes the harrowing effects of shell-shock on soldiers, contrasting the brutal reality of war with the callousness of noncombatants who speak lightly of fighting. It includes a detailed account of a serge
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xv.md): The chapter examines the role and perception of British generals and staff officers during World War I, highlighting their physical and mental similarities, their conservative military thinking, and the growing disillusi
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvi.md): A portrait of General Haldane, his intellect, intensity, and complex character, including his interactions with war correspondents, his ruthless yet risk-taking command style, and a tender moment with children during the
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvii.md): The narrator recalls dining with General Sir Neville Macready, the adjutant-general, and hearing his story about being left behind during the chaotic retreat from Mons. The chapter illustrates the grim humor and stoic re
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xviii.md): The narrator reflects on the role of generals in war, particularly Sir Henry Rawlinson, and the disconnect between the High Command and the fighting men. He recounts meetings with Rawlinson, his optimism, and the brutal 
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xix.md): The narrator reflects on several British generals of World War I, including General Allenby, General Byng, General Hunter Weston, and divisional commanders like General Hull, General Hickey, and General Harper. He recoun
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xx.md): The narrator reflects on the intellectual and temperamental limitations of British generals, criticizing their narrow worldview, rigid methods, and the systemic favoritism within the Regular Army that excluded talented c
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xxi.md): The narrator reflects on the exceptional organization and leadership of the Second Army under Sir Herbert Plumer and Sir John Harington, contrasting it with the mismanagement seen elsewhere. Harington is portrayed as a s
- [Part II: The School of Courage](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/part-ii-the-school-of-courage.md): The chapter describes the transition from the British Regular Army, which had withered by spring 1915, to the New Army of volunteers and Territorials. It reflects on the loss of the 'Old Contemptibles,' the training of n
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter describes the withering of the British Regular Army by spring 1915, the transition to volunteer and Territorial forces, and reflects on the character, training, and ultimate sacrifice of the 'Old Contemptible
- [The New Army](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ii.md): This chapter describes the creation of the New Army by Lord Kitchener, the use of propaganda and advertising to recruit soldiers, and the varied motivations of the men who enlisted—from a sense of adventure and primitive
- [The New Army Arrives](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iii.md): In July 1915, the narrator witnesses the arrival of the first Kitchener volunteers in France. He observes their training, their spirit, and their first experiences under fire, capturing the mix of homesickness, bravado, 
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iv.md): The narrator reflects on the lack of overt patriotism among the New Army's rank and file, contrasting it with French soldiers. He observes that the men fought not for empire or hatred of Germans, but out of a deep, unspo
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/v.md): The chapter describes the harsh conditions faced by the New Army in the trenches, including constant shelling, lack of artillery support, and the psychological toll on soldiers. It highlights specific locations like Ypre
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vi.md): The narrator describes the miserable conditions of the trenches, particularly the waterlogging and mud, and recounts a visit to the front line near Fricourt in August 1915. He observes the New Army soldiers enduring thes
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vii.md): The narrator describes Ypres as the capital of the battlefields in Flanders, recounting his first visit in March 1915 before the German gas attack, the subsequent devastation, and the constant shelling that turned the ci
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/viii.md): The narrator recalls a strange night in Ypres in 1915, wandering through the ruined city with a friend, encountering sentries and a group of young soldiers, and reflecting on the desolation and psychological toll of war.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ix.md): Chapter IX recounts the brutal fighting at Hooge, focusing on the experiences of a colonel and his men during the Battle of Hooge in August 1915. It describes the horrific conditions, the heavy casualties, the desperate 
- [X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/x.md): This chapter contrasts two forms of military training: the brutal bayonet instruction that dehumanizes soldiers and instills bloodlust, and Colonel Campbell's later rehabilitative work using games, farming, and compassio
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xi.md): The chapter describes the life of British soldiers behind the front lines in the summer of 1915, contrasting the squalor of the trenches with the relative comfort and beauty of French villages and châteaux. It highlights
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xii.md): The narrator describes the surreal and relatively safe atmosphere of Vaux-sur-Somme in the summer of 1915, where British soldiers lived in an exposed outpost under German observation yet enjoyed a 'gentlemanly warfare' w
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiii.md): The chapter describes the organization of a bathing establishment at Pont de Nieppe, where officers created a system for soldiers to wash and delouse themselves. It highlights the horror of lice infestation, the relief o
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiv.md): In the summer of 1915, the narrator observes the harvest in the fields of France and Belgium, juxtaposing the pastoral beauty of the countryside with the grim realities of war. Peasants work the land under threat of shel
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xv.md): The chapter explores the role of humor and entertainment in the British Army during World War I, describing concerts, variety shows, and the grim contrast between laughter and the horrors of war.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvi.md): The chapter explores the dark humor and laughter that soldiers used as a protective armor against the horrors of war, contrasting the brutal reality of trench warfare with the civilized values they were raised with. It r
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvii.md): The narrator visits a machine-gun course held in a convent at Wizerne, near St.-Omer, under General Baker-Carr. He observes the young officers and men enjoying a brief respite from the trenches, engaging in a boisterous 
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xviii.md): The chapter explores the profound boredom and monotony of trench warfare and life behind the lines, describing how the endless routine and lack of intellectual stimulation sapped morale, willpower, and sanity. It contras
- [The Endless War](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xix.md): This chapter explores the profound shift in soldiers' attitudes from initial optimism and belief in a quick end to the war, to a grim resignation that the conflict would last forever. It captures the psychological toll o
- [Part III: The Nature of a Battle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/part-iii-the-nature-of-a-battle.md): This chapter provides a visceral, on-the-ground account of the Battle of Loos, focusing on the chaos, heroism, and horror experienced by soldiers and observers. It describes the use of poison gas, the heavy casualties, t
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/i.md): In September 1915, the British Commander-in-Chief and his staff prepared for a major battle alongside the French, aiming to capture Lens and its coalfields and threaten Lille. The key objective was Hill 70 near Loos, to 
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ii.md): The chapter describes the ominous preparations for the Battle of Loos in September 1915, as troops and supplies are moved into position. It contrasts the beauty of the French countryside with the impending slaughter, foc
- [Béthune: The Black Country Capital](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iii.md): The chapter describes the town of Béthune as the capital of the British army in the French coalfields, its friendly people, and the vibrant yet grim life behind the lines. It contrasts the teashops and flirtations with t
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iv.md): The chapter describes the training and morale of the 15th Scottish Division and the 47th London Division before the Battle of Loos. It contrasts the hard, steel-nerved Scots with the more sensitive Londoners, both groups
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/v.md): The narrator describes the preliminary bombardment of the Battle of Loos, observing from a slag heap near Nœux-les-Mines. He reflects on the industrial landscape of the mining towns, the courage of the local French civil
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vi.md): The chapter describes the 'subsidiary attacks' launched to distract the German forces, highlighting the brutal sacrifice of battalions from the 3rd and 14th Divisions and the Indian Corps. These attacks, though deemed su
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vii.md): The narrator pieces together the story of the main battle of Loos from accounts of men in different parts of the field. He describes the deployment of the 1st, 15th (Scottish), and 47th (London) Divisions, the use of poi
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/viii.md): The chapter describes the assault on Loos, focusing on the 15th (Scottish) Division and Londoners as they advance under heavy machine-gun fire. It details the brutal street fighting, the capture of German positions, the 
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ix.md): The chapter describes the chaotic and bloody advance on Hill 70 during the Battle of Loos, where Scottish and London troops initially succeed but become isolated due to a failure of promised support, leading to devastati
- [The Price of Victory at Loos](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/x.md): On September 25th, the narrator observes the aftermath of the Battle of Loos, focusing on the wounded soldiers returning from the front. Lightly wounded 'Jocks' display high spirits and pride in their achievements, while
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xi.md): The narrator describes the aftermath of a battle, visiting a field near Choques where fourteen hundred German prisoners are held. He observes their misery, exhaustion, and hunger, and speaks with some of them. One prison
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xii.md): The narrator describes the aftermath of the Battle of Loos, observing captured German guns, the devastation of the battlefield, and the movement of troops. He walks through trenches filled with corpses, witnesses the rel
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiii.md): The chapter details the disastrous deployment of the 21st and 24th Divisions at the Battle of Loos, highlighting the lack of maps, orders, and leadership that led to their demoralization and heavy casualties. It critique
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiv.md): The chapter recounts the disastrous Battle of Loos, detailing the immense loss of life, the failure of the high command's strategy, and the brutal conditions faced by soldiers. It describes the arrival of the Guards, the
- [Part IV: A Winter of Discontent](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/part-iv-a-winter-of-discontent.md): The winter of 1915 is described as the worst period of the war, marked by hopelessness, relentless mud, and futile trench warfare. The chapter contrasts the earlier optimism of 1914 with the grim reality of 1915, where s
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/i.md): The narrator reflects on the winter of 1915 as the worst period of the war, marked by hopelessness and the futility of small attacks ordered by a High Command obsessed with aggressive policies and raid records, leading t
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ii.md): The chapter describes the miserable conditions of trench warfare in the autumn of 1915, with constant rain, mud, and fog making life unbearable for soldiers on both sides. Despite the hardships, British soldiers maintain
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iii.md): The chapter describes the horrific conditions in the trenches, focusing on the new affliction of trench-foot that caused immense suffering among soldiers. It details the medical response, the spirit of the men who endure
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iv.md): The chapter recounts the brutal assault on the Hohenzollern redoubt by Midland regiments, including the North Staffordshire, South Staffordshire, Nottingham, Leicester, and Lincoln men, as well as the 12th Division. It d
- [Christmas in the Trenches, 1915](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/v.md): The narrator reflects on the stark contrast between the traditional spirit of Christmas and the grim reality of war during Christmas Eve 1915 in the trenches of Flanders. Soldiers express irony and bitterness about the h
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vi.md): The chapter describes New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 1915-1916 on the Western Front, contrasting the hellish desolation of the battlefield with moments of human camaraderie and celebration among soldiers, including a 
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vii.md): This chapter focuses on the Canadian Corps in the Ypres salient during 1916, highlighting their grim, cunning, and effective fighting style. It describes a night raid where volunteers blackened their faces, used flash-la
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/viii.md): This chapter recounts a night raid by the 12th West Yorks in January 1915, detailing the tense reconnaissance, the stealthy approach to the German trenches, the killing of a German sentry, and the harrowing escape back t
- [The Spirit of Ireland in Flanders](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ix.md): The chapter reflects on the diverse nationalities and regional identities within the British forces in Flanders, focusing especially on the Irish soldiers. It describes their courage, humor, and attachment to their homel
- [X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/x.md): A heavy snowfall on February 23rd transforms the war-torn landscape of Flanders into a scene of strange, white beauty, temporarily silencing the guns and bringing a fragile peace. Soldiers find moments of levity in snowb
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xi.md): In February 1916, war correspondents snowed in at the Château of Tilques engage in futile arguments about war while officers share bitter criticisms of GHQ's incompetence, red tape, and disregard for frontline troops, ex
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xii.md): In February 1915, the German Crown Prince's offensive against Verdun grips the Allied side with fear and debate. The chapter captures the anxious discussions among war correspondents and censors in their winter quarters 
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiii.md): The narrator visits the French-held sector near Vimy Ridge in March 1916, witnessing the grim aftermath of earlier battles and the daily suffering of French soldiers. He describes the rain-soaked trenches, the stench of 
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiv.md): The chapter describes the British takeover of Arras in February 1915 and the narrator's firsthand observations of the city's devastation after prolonged German bombardment. It contrasts the ruined beauty of Arras—its cat
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xv.md): The chapter describes the relentless toll of war as casualties mount, with vivid scenes of wounded soldiers in clearing stations, the brutal conditions in the trenches around Loos and Ypres, and a specific attack by the 
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvi.md): The chapter recounts the brutal conditions of trench warfare in early 1916, focusing on the recapture of the Bluff near St. Eloi. It describes the stoic endurance of soldiers, the anguish of a chaplain awaiting survivors
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvii.md): The chapter describes the increasing power and intensity of British artillery in early 1916, contrasting it with the shell shortages of the previous year. The narrator visits a battery near Kemmel, observing the gunners'
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xviii.md): In the winter of 1915-1916, the cavalry, feeling obsolete and demoralized by trench warfare, is called to serve as infantry. The narrator visits cavalry officers before and after their stint in the trenches, witnessing t
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xix.md): The chapter describes the winter of 1915-16 passing into spring, with the ongoing Battle of Verdun and preparations for a British summer offensive. It focuses on a specific mine and crater assault by the 74th Brigade of 
- [The Great Push and the Tragedy of Sanctuary Wood](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xx.md): Summer brings hope to the British armies with the promise of a great offensive, but the chapter focuses on the brutal German bombardment of Canadian forces at Sanctuary Wood on June 2nd, the heroic but costly defense, an
- [The Heart of a City](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/part-v-the-heart-of-a-city.md): In the final phase of the war, the narrator reflects on the bustling, haunted life of Amiens' rue des Trois Cailloux, where British, French, and colonial troops pass through, bearing the physical and psychological scars 
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter describes Amiens as the capital of the British army during the Somme battles of 1916, a city close to the front lines where soldiers sought brief respites from war. It portrays the interactions between young 
- [The Street of the Three Pebbles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ii.md): The narrator describes the bustling rue des Trois Cailloux in Amiens, focusing on the bookshop run by Madame Carpentier and her daughter Mademoiselle. Madame, an Alsatian with a deep hatred of Germans from 1870, recounts
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iii.md): The narrator reflects on the constant flow of soldiers along the rue des Trois Cailloux in Amiens during the later years of the war, observing the psychological toll on young men—some showing hunted, mask-like faces, oth
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iv.md): The narrator observes a scene in the Street of the Three Pebbles during the Somme battles, where a drunken French poilu loudly curses God and the French government for the war, drawing a sympathetic crowd. A policeman tr
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/v.md): In a small estaminet during the Somme battles, two French soldiers share a grim trophy: a lock of blonde hair taken from a German officer they killed. The scene reveals the dehumanization and brutal laughter that war bre
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vi.md): The narrator describes the Australian soldiers in Amiens, their rugged independence, disdain for discipline, and fierce fighting spirit. He recounts an incident where a tall Australian, after being overcharged for port w
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vii.md): The narrator describes his billet in Amiens with other war correspondents at the house of Mme. de la Rochefoucauld, the nightly air raids and bombardments, and the dark streets where French girls use pocket torches to en
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/viii.md): The narrator visits an estaminet in Amiens and encounters a woman whose life has been shattered by the war. She shows him a photograph of herself from 1913, before the war, and recounts how the invasion forced her family
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ix.md): The chapter describes the romantic relationships that developed between English officers billeted in Amiens and young French women of the middle class, highlighting the initial charm and eventual heartbreak as the office
- [X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/x.md): The narrator describes his nightly walks through Amiens, reflecting on the vast scale and futility of the war, the ceaseless machinery of slaughter, and the shared anguish with comrades like Frederic Palmer and Beach Tho
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xi.md): On a dark, rainy night in Amiens, the narrator and Beach Thomas encounter a drunken young British officer who has lost his colonel's horse after a joyride from the front. The officer's rambling speech reveals his fear, s
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xii.md): The chapter reflects on the spiritual and historical significance of Amiens Cathedral during World War I, contrasting its timeless beauty and peace with the brutality of war. Soldiers from various nations, including Aust
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiii.md): The narrator describes passing the Palais de Justice in Amiens, where wounded French soldiers—many with severe facial injuries—sit on the steps as a grim display of war's brutality. Children stare with curiosity but no p
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiv.md): The chapter describes the scenic beauty of Amiens along the Somme, contrasting the peaceful pre-war life with the horrors of war. It details the abandoned chalets, the river's use by soldiers and lovers, and the grim rea
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xv.md): The narrator recounts his stay in a New Zealand hospital in Amiens after the Somme battles, suffering from trench fever and exhaustion. He describes the interactions between patients and nurses, the nightly air raids, th
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvi.md): The chapter describes the final night in Amiens before the German advance in March 1918, focusing on a tense dinner at the Hôtel du Rhin where officers, war correspondents, and staff confront the imminent fall of the cit
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvii.md): The narrator describes the desolation of Amiens under German bombardment, the eerie silence of the abandoned city, and a defiant Fourth of July banquet held in the cellars of the Hôtel de Ville, where French and British 
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xviii.md): Three months after the enemy's retreat, the citizens of Amiens return to their war-torn city, guided by Marshal Foch's guarantee of safety. They find their homes damaged or destroyed, yet maintain a resilient spirit. Aus
- [Part VI: Psychology on the Somme](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/part-vi-psychology-on-the-somme.md): This chapter explores the complex psychological state of soldiers during the Battle of the Somme, contrasting fear, heroism, and camaraderie. It also details the German perspective, including their morale, losses, and th
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter describes the buildup to the Battle of the Somme in July 1916, contrasting the earlier defensive battles of the British and French with the massive preparations for a major offensive. It details the growth of
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ii.md): The chapter describes the British army's optimistic and eager anticipation of the coming offensive, known as 'The Great Push,' contrasting the soldiers' belief in a swift breakthrough with the narrator's grim awareness o
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iii.md): The chapter describes the arrival of Australian troops in France in May 1916, highlighting their distinctive appearance, spirited character, and the contrast between their fresh enthusiasm and the grim realities of the W
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iv.md): The chapter describes the massive buildup of troops and the atmosphere of anticipation before the Battle of the Somme. It focuses on the port of Boulogne as a transit point for soldiers from across the British Empire, th
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/v.md): The chapter describes the immense scale and horror of the battles beginning July 1, 1916, where British youth were sacrificed in waves, facing machine-guns, shellfire, and gas, yet maintaining discipline and valor despit
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vi.md): The narrator vividly recalls the bombardment preceding the Battle of the Somme, observing the German positions from high ground above Albert. He describes the formidable defenses, the leaning Golden Virgin statue, troops
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vii.md): The narrator describes the initial illusion of victory on the first day of the Somme battles, seeing German prisoners and wounded men celebrating, but soon realizes the tragic disaster on the left flank and the grim real
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/viii.md): The chapter describes the devastating assault on July 1st, focusing on the 8th and 10th Corps' attack on Gommecourt, Beaumont Hamel, and Thièpval Wood. Despite heavy shelling, German defenses held, and machine-gun fire m
- [The Butcher's Shop of Corbie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ix.md): The narrator describes the horrific scenes at the field hospitals and clearing stations during the Battle of the Somme, particularly the 'Butcher's Shop' at Corbie, where surgeons work tirelessly amputating limbs and tre
- [X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/x.md): The chapter details the prolonged and costly local battles of the Somme offensive in the summer and autumn of 1916, focusing on the futile attempts to use cavalry, the disjointed command and communication failures, and t
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xi.md): The chapter describes the first appearance of tanks on the battlefield in September 1916, the public and troop reactions of laughter and excitement, the mechanical and tactical shortcomings of the early tanks, the braver
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xii.md): The chapter focuses on the development of the Air Force during the Somme battles, highlighting the reckless audacity of young pilots, their psychological strain, and the brutal reality of their high casualty rates. It co
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiii.md): The narrator reflects on the psychology of laughter in wartime, describing a raucous evening with medical officers at a field hospital on the Somme, where a modern Falstaff and others engage in wild merriment amidst the 
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xiv.md): The narrator provides a harrowing eyewitness account of the Battle of the Somme, describing the relentless slaughter, the physical devastation of the landscape, and the complex psychology of the soldiers. He observes the
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xv.md): The narrator recounts an encounter with a colonel of the North Staffordshires who believes he is immune to shellfire through mystical faith, and later visits the 8th–10th Gordons on the Somme, observing their eerie cheer
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvi.md): The chapter describes the Bantam Division (35th), a unit of unusually short volunteers from industrial England, who were initially mocked by the French but proved capable in trench warfare and support roles. It recounts 
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xvii.md): The narrator describes encounters with German prisoners of war, observing their types, behaviors, and attitudes. He notes the common soldiers' decency and shared loathing of war, contrasting them with the arrogant, caste
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xviii.md): The chapter describes the brutal six-week struggle for the Pozières ridge and High Wood, focusing on the Australian troops' ordeal, the immense casualties, and the eventual German retreat to the Hindenburg line.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xix.md): The narrator describes the aftermath of the massive battles leading to the capture of Bapaume, the horrific casualties and scenes of death, the German retreat to the Hindenburg line, and the remarkable spirit of humor an
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xx.md): The narrator shifts perspective to describe the German experience during the Battle of the Somme, drawing on prisoner interviews, captured letters, and staff documents. He details the German High Command's blunders, the 
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xxi.md): This chapter details the deteriorating morale and immense suffering of German soldiers on the Somme front, as revealed through captured letters and observations. It describes the physical horrors of the trenches, the psy
- [The Breaking Point on the Somme](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xxii.md): This chapter details the severe deterioration of German morale on the Somme front in late 1916, as relentless Allied artillery, air superiority, and the introduction of tanks cause mass casualties, desertions, and a coll
- [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xxiii.md): By September 25th, the German morale on the Somme is at its lowest, with troops living among unburied dead and suffering ceaseless artillery. The British and French offensives strain the German war-machine, but autumn ra
- [Part VII: The Fields of Armageddon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/part-vii-the-fields-of-armageddon.md): The narrator reflects on the final two years of World War I, describing the immense scale of slaughter, the psychological toll on soldiers, and the blind, desperate strategies of the High Command. He recounts scenes of w
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/i.md): The narrator reflects on the final two years of World War I, describing the immense scale of the conflict and the flawed strategies of the High Command. He critiques the British method of frontal assault against the stro
- [The Devastated Region](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ii.md): The narrator describes the German retreat to the Hindenburg line and the systematic destruction of the French countryside, including ruined villages, châteaux, and orchards. He encounters booby traps, displaced civilians
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iii.md): The narrator recounts the brutal battles east of Arras, including the capture of Monchy and the costly engagements along the Scarpe valley, where troops suffered heavily under machine-gun fire. He describes the fatal att
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iv.md): The chapter details the Battle of Messines Ridge on June 7, 1917, where the British Second Army detonated seventeen massive mines beneath German positions, leading to a successful assault. It also covers subsidiary attac
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/v.md): The chapter describes the horrific conditions of the Flanders battles, focusing on the immense casualties, the failure of leadership and staff work, and the shared suffering of British and German soldiers. It recounts th
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vi.md): The narrator describes the grim atmosphere at Cassel during the Battle of Passchendaele, the horrors of the front, the suffering of wounded soldiers, and the fleeting solace found at the Hôtel du Sauvage. Anecdotes inclu
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vii.md): The chapter recounts the audacious tank-led assault on the Hindenburg Line at Cambrai in November 1917, the initial success and subsequent German counterattack, the heroic but costly cavalry actions, and the grim afterma
- [The German Offensive of 1918](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/viii.md): The narrator describes the lead-up to the German Spring Offensive of 1918, including the extension of British lines, the quiet before the storm, and the disbelief of the public and some generals. He recounts the devastat
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ix.md): The chapter describes the final phase of World War I, focusing on the Allied counteroffensive after the failure of Ludendorff's great offensive. It highlights key battles such as the breaking of the Hindenburg Line, the 
- [After the Armistice: Occupation and Reflection](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/x.md): The narrator describes entering Cologne with the conquering army after the armistice, reflecting on the futility and tragedy of the war. He observes the strange fraternization between British soldiers and Germans, the be
- [Part VIII: For What Men Died](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/part-viii-for-what-men-died.md): The narrator reflects on the war's psychological impact, the disillusionment of soldiers, and the growing divide between the front and home front. He questions the ideals for which men died, noting the loss of liberty, t
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/i.md): The author introduces his intent to present a balanced account of the war, acknowledging both the horror and the humanity he witnessed. He reflects on the profound psychological and social changes wrought by the conflict
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ii.md): The chapter reflects on the collective blood-guilt of European nations during the war, criticizing the rejection of peace proposals, the lack of popular outcry against the slaughter, and the shared moral failure of peopl
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iii.md): The chapter reflects on the courage of the European peoples during the war, comparing the bravery of the Germans, French, and British. It critiques the failure of common sense and Christian charity, and examines the cons
- [What of England?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/iv.md): The chapter reflects on the British people's immense effort and sacrifice in the war, praising the stoic virtue and courage of the fighting men from various regions and dominions. It contrasts the idealism and boyish fai
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/v.md): The chapter explores the deep disillusionment and anger of soldiers on leave, who contrast their horrific frontline experiences with the perceived indifference, profiteering, and frivolous optimism of the home front. It 
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vi.md): The chapter reflects on the Russian Revolution, the collapse of the Russian armies, and the rise of Bolshevism, which freed Germany to focus on the Western Front. It describes the continued slaughter, the German offensiv
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/vii.md): The chapter describes the disillusionment and bitterness of soldiers returning from World War I, who face unemployment, broken promises, and societal neglect. It details their struggles to find work, their resentment tow
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/viii.md): The chapter examines the deep psychological and societal scars left by the war, arguing that military discipline and the cultivation of brutality have unleashed violent instincts that persist into peacetime, while the ec
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/ix.md): The narrator reflects on the aftermath of World War I, questioning whether the sacrifices of the soldiers were in vain as England faces economic hardship, expanded imperial responsibilities, and a massive military budget

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters