The Story of the Great War, Volume III (of 12) The War Begins, Invasion of Belgium, Battle of the Marne

The opening months of the Great War plunge listeners into a tense, continent‑wide clash as Germany’s massive armies surge toward Belgium, hoping to sweep through to France. Against this iron tide, Belgium’s modest forces, bolstered by British volunteers and Indian troops, cling to a fierce resolve, while political leaders such as King George V watch the unfolding drama from the front lines. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the early mobilizations, the strategic calculations of generals like van Moltke, and the stark reality of a world on the brink of unprecedented conflict.

Within days, the German advance meets its first real test at the fortified city of Liège, where stubborn defense and desperate artillery fire stall the invaders. The story then follows the frantic race to the Marne, where Allied commanders scramble to unite their scattered troops and halt the German push. Listeners are drawn into the urgency of trench warfare, the chaos of retreat, and the fragile hope that a single river battle might reshape the war’s trajectory.