The book "West Country Regiments on the Somme" by John Terraine tells the story of the British Army's regiments from the West Country, specifically those from Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, during World War I. The book focuses on the battles fought by these regiments on the Somme, one of the bloodiest battles of the war, and how they contributed to the Allied victory. The book begins with an introduction to the regiments and their history before delving into the events of the Somme. The author describes the preparations made by the regiments before the battle, including training and equipment, and the conditions on the front lines. He also highlights the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, many of whom were young men from rural areas who had never seen combat before. The first chapter describes the Battle of Albert, where the regiments fought against the German army. The author emphasizes the importance of the battle and how it set the stage for the rest of the war. He also highlights the role of the artillery in the battle, which proved crucial in breaking through the German defenses. In the second chapter, the author discusses the Battle of Bapaume, where the regiments faced intense fighting and heavy casualties. He notes that despite the challenges, the regiments held their ground and inflicted significant losses on the enemy. The third chapter focuses on the Battle of High Wood, where the regiments suffered heavy losses but managed to capture the wood. The author highlights the heroism of the soldiers and their determination to succeed despite the odds. The fourth chapter examines the Battle of Ancre, where the regiments played a crucial role in capturing the village.

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