The equipment of trench warfare between 1914 - 1918

“The technological escalation that occurred from the start of World War I to the end of World War II was more profound than any other period in human history”.

“These new inventions were designed and deployed to the task of killing humans more effectively”.

(Hartcup 1988)

Task One: Using the video clip, produce a thought shower for all types of equipment you have seen.

Types of Equipment

Personal weapons - Rifles, Machine guns (1894), Pistols

Protective clothing- Tin Helmets (1916), Gas Masks (1916)

Clothing – Uniform (camouflage 1914), boots, belt

Webbing – Ammo pouches, back pack

General – Shovel, entrenching tool (1910), mess tins,

mug,

Transport – Tanks (1917),

Aircraft(1915), Motorbike(1915)

Horse

The soldier was seen as disposable

Heavy Weapons – Artillery, Portable Mortars (1915), GAS (1915)

1) Clothing – Consisting of , Uniform, Undergarments, Belt, Boots.

The Field Dress (Uniform) consisted of:

Head Dress

Shirt and Blouse

Trousers

Puttees

Jack boots

The uniform was made of durable ‘khaki wool serge’ which was strong and warm. The buttons were made of brass because plastic had not been invented.

Can you think why the uniform was unpopular?

1) Uncomfortable2) Became heavy when wet3) Became infested with lice

2) Equipment – Ammo Pouches, Water Bottle, Entrenching Tool, Belt, Back Pack

Ammo Pouches

Water bottle

Back pack

Belt and Straps

Entrenching tool

‘Webbing’ was made from khaki canvas, and leather. These materials are strong and could be waterproofed with Blanco and Bees Wax .

The pouches were held closed by brass press studs, instead of buttons. Why do you think this was?

All buckles and clips were also made from brass.

3) Protective Equipment – Helmet, Gas Mask

Camouflage paint

M1916 ‘Stahlhelm’

Gas Mask

Gas Mask ‘Lugs’

With the abrupt introduction of chemical gas to the battlefield at Ypres in 1915 simple masks consisting of leather and glass were introduced

The British had supplied steel helmets to all soldiers by 1915. The Germans followed suit by 1916.What are the benefits of having a steel helmet?

4) Personal Weapons – Rifle, Bayonet, Grenades, Clubs.

Mauser Gew 98. Standard infantry rifle of the German Army. Held 5 rounds before reloading, and would fire accurately to distances of 800m. What is it made from?

‘Mills Fragmentation Bomb’ (Grenade)1915.

Had a 7 second delayed fuse, and could be thrown up to 30metres.

Why do you think the grenade is pineapple shaped? Was a bayonet so long necessary?

5) Heavy Weapons – Artillery, Mortars, Tanks

The ball bearing act as shrapnel

A British 45cm mortar – Range 15 miles. Some railway guns could fire 100cm shells 20 miles

Why would the explosive part of the shell be full of metal ball bearings?

Fuse

Explosive Shell

Shell case

Task Two: Using the information you have collected during this lesson, design a piece of world war one equipment

Your design can only be made from materials and technology around before 1918.

Along with you design you will write two paragraphs stating:

1) Why you have chosen to design that particular piece of equipment?

2) What materials you have made your equipment out of and why?

The equipment is to be finished for homework.