The Battle of the Aisne, 1918

27 May – 6 June 1918: the (Third) Battle of the Aisne, 1918. A small and tired British force, sent to the Chemin des Dames in exchange for fresh French divisions that went north, was struck and virtually destroyed as part of another German offensive, Operation Blücher.

The morning of the first day of the Battle of the Chemin des Dames, 27 May 1918. German troops crossing a canal and awaiting orders to continue the advance. Imperial War Museum image Q88094
The morning of the first day of the Battle of the Chemin des Dames, 27 May 1918. German troops crossing a canal and awaiting orders to continue the advance. Imperial War Museum image Q88094

French Sixth Army (Duchene)
IX Corps (Gordon)
8th Division
19th (Western) Division
21st Division
25th Division
50th (Northumbrian) Division.

Part of a map contained with the British Official History of Military Operations, France and Flanders, 1918 volume III. The solid lines mark the front before the German attack commenced on 27 May 1918. British forces are shown in red, the French ally in blue, and the common enemy German forces in dark green.The line of solid dots marks the front 24 hours later. The attack was faced by the British 21st, 8th and 50th (Northumbrian) Divisions, with 25th Division in reserve behind them. All were under command of IX Corps.
Same source. A more detailed view of the dispositions of British units on 27 May 1918.
Same source. Continued German progress on 28 May 1918.

Books

The battle is covered in the British Official History of Military Operations in France and Flanders, 1918 volume III (free downloadable copy)

Highly recommended: “The last of the ebb : the Battle of the Aisne, 1918” by Sidney Rogerson

Links

Battles of the Western Front in France and Flanders