An Overview of the Great War

Machine-Guns While the typical infantryman on both sides was outfitted with a bolt-action repeating rifle which could fire 15 shots a minute, these were no match for the medium machine-gun which equaled the firepower of 80 riflemen, firing between 600-1200 bullets a minute. At first, machine-guns were heavy and unwieldy, but as the war dragged on, were made lighter and more manageable. The German’s developed the 08/15 Maxim (40 lbs) and the British, the 47-shot Lewis gun (27 lbs). 115th MG Battalion 30th Division (Old Hickory), Ypres Belgium

Two-man British Vickers machine-gun team in action. Machine-guns, used from a fortified position such as pillboxes or trenches, gave an overwhelming advantage to defenders and invited almost certain death to those who attacked. For example, on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916, German machine-gun fire accounted for two British soldiers killed or injured along each three feet of the 16-mile front.

Artillery Heavy artillery changed warfare by spreading out the battlefield. Attacks are much more difficult to coordinate over large areas. Communications along battlefronts became more important than ever.

Rail-mounted artillery

The original big gun: the Krupp howitzer 420mm “Big Bertha” The rail-mounted “Paris Gun” could fire a projectile 75 miles and was used to shell Paris

War in the Third Dimension Airplanes War in the Third Dimension

(German) Although the history of powered flight was barely 10 years old, airplanes quickly saw service for reconnaissance then as an offensive weapon. Specialized fighter planes, such as the Sopwith Camel and the German Fokkers, were soon produced by both sides, as were sturdier bomb carrying aircraft. (French) (American) (British)

In August 1914, the British had fewer than 50 aircraft. By November 1918, the British had 22, 171 aircraft. In the early days of the war, airplanes were used for reconnaissance and were unarmed. When enemy pilots did encounter one another, they only weapon at their disposal was their pistol. However, this quickly changed.

Another early tactic employed by pilots was to fly over enemy troops and drop what amounted to arrows. Flying at a high rate of speed as they passed over an enemy column, the pilot simply spilled the box of steel-headed arrows onto the troops below. However, strafing fire from machine-guns would later prove much more effective.

Pilots from both sides were the heroes of the day Pilots from both sides were the heroes of the day. Many considered themselves to be “knights of the air” and throughout the war there was a certain degree of chivalry between combatants, especially early in the war and more between the Germans and the British than the Germans and the French. While there was no doubt that they were out to shoot each other out of the sky, there was a mutual admiration and appreciation for the nerve and skill that it took to pilot these “flying coffins.” It was not uncommon for pilots to drop a wreath over the spot where a comrade was brought down. And at times, it was even done by the enemy to honor their fallen brethren.

Aces To qualify as an air “ace,” a pilot had to bring down at least 10 enemy aircraft. Those who did became national heroes. Baron von Richthofen, “The Red Baron,” was the leading ace of the war. The British ace, Captain Albert Ball, had more decorations for bravery than any other man his age, including the Victoria Cross; he was only 20 when he was shot down and killed in 1917. Captain Eddie Rickenbacker (USA) 24 victories Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen (Germany) 80 victories Captain Albert Ball (Britain) 44 victories

Rare photograph of “Snoopy” Brown engaging the Red Baron. America’s most famous beagle ace has been immortalized over the years in books, games and song.

The Sopwith F1 Camel was introduced into battle in June 1917 and quickly became the most successful Allied fighter in shooting down German aircraft. Pilots enjoyed the Camel because of its exceptional agility and ability to make sharp high speed turns.

Lafayette Escadrille From the outbreak of war, Americans went to Europe to volunteer their assistance to the Allies, usually by serving in the French Foreign Legion or as ambulance drivers. Yet there were pilots as well and in April 1916, the Escadrille Americaine, later renamed the Lafayette Escadrille, began flying for France. The Americans quickly made their mark and developed a reputation as great airmen. Ten months following the US entrance into the war, the Escadrille fell under American command. By wars end, some 38 pilots passed through the Escadrille, with nine losing their lives. Three, including Raoul Lufberry (right), became aces and in all the Escadrille downed 57 enemy aircraft.

Airships In the spring of 1915, the first German airships appeared in Britain’s night sky. While panic quickly ensued (for fear of bombs), in reality, airships played little part in the war. Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin designed the first airship in 1900, and while others are often called zeppelins, only those designed by him should go by that name. Early in the war, airships could fly higher than planes which made them useful for bombing. Soon, though, higher-flying planes and the use of incendiary bullets brought the airships down to earth. By 1917, both sides restricted their use to reconnaissance at sea.

The first German airship raid on London occurred May 31, 1915 The first German airship raid on London occurred May 31, 1915. In total, there were 51 airship attacks on British cities. They dropped 220 tons of bombs, killing 557 people and wounding 1358.

Heavy Bombers Planes and zeppelins now brought a new dimension to battle– aerial warfare.

Chemical Warfare: Gas Attacks Chemical warfare began with the use of deadly gases: chlorine, phosgene and mustard.

Gassed, by John Singer Sargent British causalities blinded by mustard gas in a German gas attack at Bethune, France. This photograph was used by US painter John Singer Sargent, an official war artist, as a source for his well-known painting 'Gassed'. (April 10, 1918)

Glove that was exposed to chlorine gas; note how much that it shrank…the valve on top of the gas cylinder is the same size as a spigot valve at your house! This same shrinking effect occurred in the lungs.

Improved gas mask introduced in 1916 Early gas mask Improved gas mask introduced in 1916

James Pratt, Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders. Served Ypres. Wounded 1915 Walter Clarke, Private, Royal Hampshire Regiment. Served Vimy. Gassed 1918

Stats on Gas -gas caused about 15% of all casualties in the Great War -gas caused 1.4% of all deaths -only 7% of all gas casualties died; most returned to fight

1916: The Great Slaughter Germany’s new plan: “Bleed them white!” -Battle of Verdun (Feb.-Dec.) *combined losses: 1.2 million men 420,000 dead 800,000 wounded -Battle of the Somme (June-Nov.) *British attempt to pull troops from Verdun *Planned to punch hole in German lines *July 1, 1916: “Bloodiest single day in history of British army.” **60,000 casualties *combined total losses: 1.7 million *penetrated 6 miles over 200 mile front

Tanks The Battle of the Somme in July 1916 saw the introduction of a revolutionary new weapon in the British Mark I Tank (short, literally, for water tank). Along some of the German lines in that battle, the men fled when they saw the armored beasts lumbering toward them. A total of 36 tanks were used in that initial attack, with varying degrees of success. However, this new offensive-minded weapon, designed to break through entrenched lines, would see rapid modifications and improvements, helping the tank to secure an important place in the Allies arsenal. The British Mark I

British Mark V Tank (male) British Mark V Tank (female) French Renault Tank French Renaults used by Americans

The French Renault Cut-away of the famous Renault tank. Introduced in 1917, over 3,000 Renault FT-17 tanks were produced before the end of the war, of which 500 were delivered to the US army.

Tank Numbers by 1918: British: 3000 French: 4000 Germany: 20 German A7V Tank While the German army tried to create their own tanks to match those of the Allies, the A7V was cumbersome and unstable in action. Instead, the Germans preferred using captured British tanks.