The 1st Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment was in Belfast on the outbreak of the Great War in August 1914 and was rushed to France, landing at Le Havre as part of the BEF on 14th August. It took part in the war's opening battles at Mons and Le Cateau, joined the great retreat to the Marne, and then advanced to the Aisne. By the turn of the year the battalion was in the Ypres salient, fighting at Messines and Hill 60. This regimental account of the Great War's opening months is well illustrated with maps. Roll of Officers, Honours and Awards, and summary of battle casualties complete this history.