The early months of 1918 did not promise well for the Western Allies; with Russia knocked out of the war, Ludendorff transferred masses of troops from the Eastern Front to the West for his famous March offensive. Gough's Fifth Army was driven back, and the Allied line was badly pierced, even if the Germans gradually ran out of steam and supplies. This defeat led to the setting up of a united Anglo-French command under the direction of Foch, and learning from past mistakes, the British in particular fought with a new subtlety and skill, especially in the use of their artillery. Yet in spite of the breaching of the Hindenburg Line, the sudden German collapse came as a surprise - though the defeat and defection of Bulgaria had much to do with it. The final chapters describe the delirious victory celebrations in London and elsewhere.