The Story of the Great War, Volume 3 History of the European War from Official Sources

A soaring Zeppelin looms over a defenseless city, its shadow chased by a nervous pair of biplane and monoplane ready to fire. The opening tableau captures the desperate aerial duels that defined the early years of the conflict, hinting at the massive logistical and strategic challenges that lie behind every raid. From this high‑altitude drama the narrative drops into the grimmer, ground‑level struggles that shaped the war’s course.

The first act follows the Turkish and Russian clash in the rugged Caucasus, where Enver Pasha’s audacious plan aims to seize Tiflis and the oil‑rich Caspian coast. With scant rail lines, the Ottoman forces march through icy passes while their Russian opponents lean on a single, vital railway for supplies. Brutal weather, treacherous terrain, and a fierce tug‑of‑war over Kars and Sarikamish create a vivid portrait of endurance and tactical daring. As December 1914 unfolds, both sides experience swift victories and costly setbacks, setting the stage for a larger, unresolved struggle.