A MUTINY by more than half the French Army in 1917 is to be explored in a talk in the region.

Tony Noyes, chairman of the Western Front Association, will look at the disastrous turn of events that lead to thousands of French soldiers refusing to take orders during the First World War.

His talk, entitled Nivelle and the French Mutinies, will be held at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Dur-ham Art Gallery on Saturday, September 29, starting at 2pm.

Mr Noyes, who admits the First World War has become his obsession, said: "The French Army had suffered more than three million casualties by the end of 1915, mostly in failed attacks.

"In 1916, they suffered another 400,000 casualties in the horror of the Battle of Verdun, but as winter app- roached they desperately fought back and General Nivelle retook the crucial Fort Douaumont."

Nivelle was immediately put in control of the French Army over the heads of more senior officers.

He began to plan an attack around the city of Rheims, telling his men they would win a resounding victory in 48 hours. But when the offensive was launched it was a disaster that led to the mutinies.

Tickets for the talk are £3.50, with a £2.50 concession, and £1.50 for season ticket holders. They are available in advance by post or at the door.