A Brilliant Little Victory is a history of the 48th (South Midland) Division's successful defence of a critical position on the Asiago Plateau in Italy, during June 1918.
This defence contributed to the defeat of Austro-Hungarian attackers attempting to break into the rear of the main Italian position on the Piave.
Despite fighting an effective defensive action, subsequently described by one officer as ‘a brilliant little victory’, the Divisional Commander, Major General Sir Robert Fanshawe, was sacked and sent home much to the dismay of officers and men. Born in Buckinghamshire, Fanshawe began his service as an officer with The Oxfordshire Light Infantry, later The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Two Territorial battalions of his regiment served in the Division as well, 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, and 1/4th Battalion.
In seeking to understand what lay behind the shocking removal of an apparently successful commander, Derek Plews provides a detailed analysis of the battle and factors that may have contributed to this - was it really justified?
Featured Image: Major General Sir Robert Fanshawe (Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum)
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