31st August 1914
General Von Kluck has decided not to attack Paris, German troops have reconquered Soldau/Neidenburg in East Prussia, Germany has defeated Russia at Tannenberg - the battle is over.
Sunday 31 August 2014
Saturday 30 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
30th August 1914
The first German plane has bombed Paris killing two people, The Battle of Tannenberg has eneded with the destruction of the Russian 2nd Narev Army.
As with all battles during would war 1 the losses were high on both sides. Russia lost 78,000 killed or wounded, 92,000 were taken as prisoner of war and 350 guns were captured. Germany lost 1,726 killed, 7461 wounded and a further 4,686 have been listed missing.
The first German plane has bombed Paris killing two people, The Battle of Tannenberg has eneded with the destruction of the Russian 2nd Narev Army.
As with all battles during would war 1 the losses were high on both sides. Russia lost 78,000 killed or wounded, 92,000 were taken as prisoner of war and 350 guns were captured. Germany lost 1,726 killed, 7461 wounded and a further 4,686 have been listed missing.
Friday 29 August 2014
Life AT War - Letters home
Back in 1914, there were no emails, private phone calls or texts, in order to contact someone you would need to right a letter or in extreme circumstances send a telegram. But just how did over 12 million letters reach soldiers in the trenches every week?
AT the outbreak of war, the government came to the conclusion that soldiers writing home each week and receiving letters could be of great comfort and help morale, both in the trenches and at home. For this, the enlisted the help of The Post Office to help establish a plan with which to keep the flow of letters moving.
When letters from home were sent, they had a long way to go to reach the intended person and The Post Office timescale was only two days. For example, a wife sending a letter to her husband "somewhere in France". She would spend hours writing her letter with care, sometimes adding some scent to the paper, to remind her husband of home before posting it. The letter then would need to travel by train to the Head Quarters, using near London, to be censored and the Battalion address known. The letter then travels from the Head Quarters to the Docks to be put on a ship, along with millions other letters, across the Channel to France. The letters would then be sorted again and the censorship checked before it being sent to the correct locations in France. It would then probably need to travel three or four miles through trenches to reach the officer in charge. Then when it was safe to do so, the officer would hand the letters out to his men.
Letters were a great comfort to many people during World War 1. They boosted morale for soldiers by hearing what everyone was getting up to and how children were growing up at home, as well as at home, by making it known that their loved one was still safe for the time being. Writing also became a hobby, wives and mothers could find spend their evenings writing to their loved ones to pass the time they would have normally spent with them. For Soldiers at the front it gave them something to concentrate on in between fighting. Many soldiers sent home buttons and silk scarves bought for the local villages as they passed which could be sent home as presents.
The Army gave a few different options when writing home. A Field Postcard could be sent, which gave multiple choice options pre-written that could be crossed through when not relevant. These included things like "I'm well" or "Sending my love". However a soldier could only sign and date the card, they weren't allowed to write anything else. I would imagine receiving a Field Postcard, although it says that your loved one is safe would come across as being very distant and cold and I think many people would actually wonder if their loved one even knew it had been sent or whether they were just told to sign something.
Another option was to use an Honour Envelop. This was were a soldier signed a declaration to confirm no forbidden information had been disclosed within the letter. This meant that nobody at the front would check the letter such as officers, however, they would still be checked by Postal Workers back in Britain when they arrived.
The final and most popular way was Self Censorship. Many soldiers didn't want to burden their loved ones with the horrors of war, especially if there were children that would read the letter. For many men, to discuss the war with anyone who was not there felt to be disloyal and cowardly. They thought it easier to block out what was truly happening as if it wasn't. These letters still needed to be censored and this was done by the Officer in charge. Many of the officers didn't like reading their men's letters as they felt it an intrusion into their privacy and some even chose not to check their men's letters, so these were sent back unaltered. This was a serious offence and if caught the officer in question would be in trouble with the Army Officials.
The timescale of two days started to fall apart quite early on in the war as more and more letters were sent. You could expect no letters for weeks on end, then suddenly three or four turn up at once. It was very difficult to cross the channel and some boats containing letters were bombed or sunk and so their letters today remain at the bottom of the channel. The people of The Post Office worked tirelessly in order to censor and sort letters as well as deliver them. The are the unsung heroes who didn't complain and are not really talked about even today. Without them, morale would have been low and communication lines would have been cut. Many fathers and grandfathers wouldn't have heard about their children's first words or when they took their first steps, of exam results or of any illnesses or deaths.
AT the outbreak of war, the government came to the conclusion that soldiers writing home each week and receiving letters could be of great comfort and help morale, both in the trenches and at home. For this, the enlisted the help of The Post Office to help establish a plan with which to keep the flow of letters moving.
When letters from home were sent, they had a long way to go to reach the intended person and The Post Office timescale was only two days. For example, a wife sending a letter to her husband "somewhere in France". She would spend hours writing her letter with care, sometimes adding some scent to the paper, to remind her husband of home before posting it. The letter then would need to travel by train to the Head Quarters, using near London, to be censored and the Battalion address known. The letter then travels from the Head Quarters to the Docks to be put on a ship, along with millions other letters, across the Channel to France. The letters would then be sorted again and the censorship checked before it being sent to the correct locations in France. It would then probably need to travel three or four miles through trenches to reach the officer in charge. Then when it was safe to do so, the officer would hand the letters out to his men.
Letters were a great comfort to many people during World War 1. They boosted morale for soldiers by hearing what everyone was getting up to and how children were growing up at home, as well as at home, by making it known that their loved one was still safe for the time being. Writing also became a hobby, wives and mothers could find spend their evenings writing to their loved ones to pass the time they would have normally spent with them. For Soldiers at the front it gave them something to concentrate on in between fighting. Many soldiers sent home buttons and silk scarves bought for the local villages as they passed which could be sent home as presents.
The Army gave a few different options when writing home. A Field Postcard could be sent, which gave multiple choice options pre-written that could be crossed through when not relevant. These included things like "I'm well" or "Sending my love". However a soldier could only sign and date the card, they weren't allowed to write anything else. I would imagine receiving a Field Postcard, although it says that your loved one is safe would come across as being very distant and cold and I think many people would actually wonder if their loved one even knew it had been sent or whether they were just told to sign something.
Another option was to use an Honour Envelop. This was were a soldier signed a declaration to confirm no forbidden information had been disclosed within the letter. This meant that nobody at the front would check the letter such as officers, however, they would still be checked by Postal Workers back in Britain when they arrived.
The final and most popular way was Self Censorship. Many soldiers didn't want to burden their loved ones with the horrors of war, especially if there were children that would read the letter. For many men, to discuss the war with anyone who was not there felt to be disloyal and cowardly. They thought it easier to block out what was truly happening as if it wasn't. These letters still needed to be censored and this was done by the Officer in charge. Many of the officers didn't like reading their men's letters as they felt it an intrusion into their privacy and some even chose not to check their men's letters, so these were sent back unaltered. This was a serious offence and if caught the officer in question would be in trouble with the Army Officials.
The timescale of two days started to fall apart quite early on in the war as more and more letters were sent. You could expect no letters for weeks on end, then suddenly three or four turn up at once. It was very difficult to cross the channel and some boats containing letters were bombed or sunk and so their letters today remain at the bottom of the channel. The people of The Post Office worked tirelessly in order to censor and sort letters as well as deliver them. The are the unsung heroes who didn't complain and are not really talked about even today. Without them, morale would have been low and communication lines would have been cut. Many fathers and grandfathers wouldn't have heard about their children's first words or when they took their first steps, of exam results or of any illnesses or deaths.
Life AT War - Day by Day
29th August 1914
The 4th day of the Battle of Tannenberg has begun, The Russian Narev Army has panicked and General Martos has been caught, The Arizonian is the first vessel to arrive in Southern France via the Panama canal, French troops have counter attacked under General Lanrezac against germany at the battle of St Quentin.
The 4th day of the Battle of Tannenberg has begun, The Russian Narev Army has panicked and General Martos has been caught, The Arizonian is the first vessel to arrive in Southern France via the Panama canal, French troops have counter attacked under General Lanrezac against germany at the battle of St Quentin.
Thursday 28 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
28th August 1914
The Battle of Heligoland had begun, John French has evactuated Amiens, The 3rd day of the Battle of Tannenberg has begun.
The Battle of Heligoland was the first naval battle of the war, fought between Brtain and Germany in the North Sea. The battle started when the British attacked German patrol boats off of the northwest German coast. The loss of life and weapons was high - Brtain lost 35 men killed with a further 55 wounded and one light cruiser was heavily damaged. Germany lost 712 men killed, 149 men wounded with a further 335 men being captured as prisoners of war. Also lost were three light cruisers sunk, two torpedo boats sunk, one destroyer sunk with a further three destroyers heavily damaged, one light cruiser heavily damaged and two light cruisers moderately damaged.
The Battle of Heligoland had begun, John French has evactuated Amiens, The 3rd day of the Battle of Tannenberg has begun.
The Battle of Heligoland was the first naval battle of the war, fought between Brtain and Germany in the North Sea. The battle started when the British attacked German patrol boats off of the northwest German coast. The loss of life and weapons was high - Brtain lost 35 men killed with a further 55 wounded and one light cruiser was heavily damaged. Germany lost 712 men killed, 149 men wounded with a further 335 men being captured as prisoners of war. Also lost were three light cruisers sunk, two torpedo boats sunk, one destroyer sunk with a further three destroyers heavily damaged, one light cruiser heavily damaged and two light cruisers moderately damaged.
Wednesday 27 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
27th August 1914
Today is the second day of the Battle of Tannenberg, Germany has bombed Usdau, the US war reporter Richard H Davis is visiting Leuven.
The Battle of Tannenberg was fought between Russian and German troops and would last four days in total.
At the outbreak of the war, the Russian Empire had invaded East Prussia which included Usdau. The German troops were able to regain Usdau on the 27th August 1914.
Today is the second day of the Battle of Tannenberg, Germany has bombed Usdau, the US war reporter Richard H Davis is visiting Leuven.
The Battle of Tannenberg was fought between Russian and German troops and would last four days in total.
At the outbreak of the war, the Russian Empire had invaded East Prussia which included Usdau. The German troops were able to regain Usdau on the 27th August 1914.
Tuesday 26 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
26th August 1914
At the Battle of Tannenberg the German 8th Army has defeated the Russian Narev Army.
At the Battle of Tannenberg the German 8th Army has defeated the Russian Narev Army.
Monday 25 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
25th August 1914
German army begins a six week plundering of Leuven in Belgium. German troops have marched into France, pushing the French Army to Sedan. German zeppelins have bombed Antwerp in Belgium, killing ten people.
German army begins a six week plundering of Leuven in Belgium. German troops have marched into France, pushing the French Army to Sedan. German zeppelins have bombed Antwerp in Belgium, killing ten people.
Sunday 24 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
24th August 1914
At the Battle of Bergen, German troops have defeated British and Belgium troops. German troops have occupied Namur in Belgium.
At the Battle of Bergen, German troops have defeated British and Belgium troops. German troops have occupied Namur in Belgium.
Saturday 23 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
23rd August 1914
The Battle of Mons has come to an end with General Von Klucks troops beating Britain. General Von Hause has led the execution of 612 inhabitants in Dinant, Belgium. Japan has declared war on Germany.
The execution of those 612 innocent people tragically made history not just for the amount killed but because of the killing of Felix Fivet. At just three weeks old Felix became the youngest person to be executed during the war.
The Battle of Mons has come to an end with General Von Klucks troops beating Britain. General Von Hause has led the execution of 612 inhabitants in Dinant, Belgium. Japan has declared war on Germany.
The execution of those 612 innocent people tragically made history not just for the amount killed but because of the killing of Felix Fivet. At just three weeks old Felix became the youngest person to be executed during the war.
Friday 22 August 2014
Life At War - Day by Day
22nd August 1914
The British and German troops have had their first encounter with each other in Belgium. The Battle of Charleroi begins led by General Von Bulows. The Battle of Ardennen continues. General Martos' troops have occupied Soldau/ Neidenburg in East Prussia. German troops have executed 384 inhabitants of Tamines in Belgium as their occupation continues. Von Ludendorff & Von Hindenburg have moved into East Prussia on their way to Russia
The British and German troops have had their first encounter with each other in Belgium. The Battle of Charleroi begins led by General Von Bulows. The Battle of Ardennen continues. General Martos' troops have occupied Soldau/ Neidenburg in East Prussia. German troops have executed 384 inhabitants of Tamines in Belgium as their occupation continues. Von Ludendorff & Von Hindenburg have moved into East Prussia on their way to Russia
Life AT War - Sports
For man, sports has always been popular. Whether its playing or just talk about it, its a common ground for everybody. At the start of World War 1, men volunteered for the army to help win the war. Unfortunately, many of these men, although trained, would be killed after only a couple of months at the front.
The government realised this and decided they needed a new tactic. They therefore decided that they should speak to the sports clubs around Britain and try and promote whole teams joining up to help fight the war. Many athletes, football players and other sportsmen soon agreed and gave interviews to their local papers before leaving for training in the hope that it would spur the fan's on to also join. The stated that sport should be put on hold in order to fight for your country and that sport would resume when Britain's victory was declared.
In battalions you would most likely find that most of the soldiers were made up of football teams and their fan's which soon created a tight bond and common ground.
Although sport was put on hold for the duration, there was one very special football match that did take place...
Christmas Eve 1914, Ypres. A German soldier could be heard singing in German from his trench, his song, Silent Night. Suddenly all the German's joined in and could be heard in the British trenches. The British remembered the tune and started to sing in English.
On Christmas morning, every British soldier was given a Christmas gift box from the Princess Mary Gift Fund, to ensure that every soldier was remembered and had something special to open on Christmas morning. The soldiers were delighted. Shortly afterwards, a lone German soldier could be seen climbing out of his trench, with his hands held in the air. He then shouted "Happy Christmas" to the British soldiers, to the British amazement, slowly more and more Germans followed suit, smiling and laughing. The British decided that they should do the same and so they met the German's in the middle of No Man's land and shook hands.
From the trenches, the German's had brought with them Brandy and Cigars, the British brought Whisky and Christmas pudding and they all exchanged these as you would exchange presents at any peacetime Christmas. Everyone was laughing and joking and having a good time. The British decided to get out an old tin can and the British and German soldiers joined together to play a game of football across No Man's Land.
As it started to get dark, they said their goodbye's and shook hands. Many soldiers also took off a button from their jackets and exchanged them for one from what tomorrow would be their enemy's jackets in order to remember the Christmas they had just had. The following day, the war resumed and they were enemy's again.
After this day, sport wasn't played again until the end of the war. By this time many of Britain's greatest sports players had been killed or lost limbs and many more had suffered gas attacks and were unable to play the sport they loved again. This was a great sacrifice for their country, to give up the sport they loved, to more than likely never play it again.
The government realised this and decided they needed a new tactic. They therefore decided that they should speak to the sports clubs around Britain and try and promote whole teams joining up to help fight the war. Many athletes, football players and other sportsmen soon agreed and gave interviews to their local papers before leaving for training in the hope that it would spur the fan's on to also join. The stated that sport should be put on hold in order to fight for your country and that sport would resume when Britain's victory was declared.
In battalions you would most likely find that most of the soldiers were made up of football teams and their fan's which soon created a tight bond and common ground.
Although sport was put on hold for the duration, there was one very special football match that did take place...
Christmas Eve 1914, Ypres. A German soldier could be heard singing in German from his trench, his song, Silent Night. Suddenly all the German's joined in and could be heard in the British trenches. The British remembered the tune and started to sing in English.
On Christmas morning, every British soldier was given a Christmas gift box from the Princess Mary Gift Fund, to ensure that every soldier was remembered and had something special to open on Christmas morning. The soldiers were delighted. Shortly afterwards, a lone German soldier could be seen climbing out of his trench, with his hands held in the air. He then shouted "Happy Christmas" to the British soldiers, to the British amazement, slowly more and more Germans followed suit, smiling and laughing. The British decided that they should do the same and so they met the German's in the middle of No Man's land and shook hands.
From the trenches, the German's had brought with them Brandy and Cigars, the British brought Whisky and Christmas pudding and they all exchanged these as you would exchange presents at any peacetime Christmas. Everyone was laughing and joking and having a good time. The British decided to get out an old tin can and the British and German soldiers joined together to play a game of football across No Man's Land.
As it started to get dark, they said their goodbye's and shook hands. Many soldiers also took off a button from their jackets and exchanged them for one from what tomorrow would be their enemy's jackets in order to remember the Christmas they had just had. The following day, the war resumed and they were enemy's again.
After this day, sport wasn't played again until the end of the war. By this time many of Britain's greatest sports players had been killed or lost limbs and many more had suffered gas attacks and were unable to play the sport they loved again. This was a great sacrifice for their country, to give up the sport they loved, to more than likely never play it again.
Thursday 21 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
21st August 1914
German troops have occupied Tamines in Belgium. The French offensive in the Ardennen/Sambre has begun.
That day was to become known in history as the start of the Massacre of Tamines lasting a further two more days.
German troops have occupied Tamines in Belgium. The French offensive in the Ardennen/Sambre has begun.
That day was to become known in history as the start of the Massacre of Tamines lasting a further two more days.
Wednesday 20 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
20th August 1914
The battle at Gumbinnen has come to an end. The German army has captured Brussels as the Belgium army retreated to Antwerp. German General Von Bulow has executed 211 Belgians.
The battle of Gumbinnen began on the 17th August. Against official orders Hermann Von Francois launched an attack against the Russian First Army, resulting in a victory for Germany (The Battle of Stalluponen). On the 19th August the Russian Cavalry came into contact with the German infantry. The Russians dismounted and brought up their artillery to fight, leaving the Germans to retreat.
On the 20th August, German troops attacked Russian troops ,driving them back 8km by the early afternoon. Russian reinforcements arrived and the battle turned to stalemate. Unfortunately, due in the original unofficial attack three days earlier, German reinforcements were unable to arrive for several hours, enabling the Russian soldiers to move up their heavy artillery. Although at first the German's advanced well, they soon had to retreat when they came under Russian artillery fire.
The losses were high as with many battle's throughout the war. The Russian's endured 18,839 soldiers wounded, killed or worse - missing.
The German's lost 1,250 men killed, 6414 more were wounded and 6,943 men were taken prisoner.
The battle at Gumbinnen has come to an end. The German army has captured Brussels as the Belgium army retreated to Antwerp. German General Von Bulow has executed 211 Belgians.
The battle of Gumbinnen began on the 17th August. Against official orders Hermann Von Francois launched an attack against the Russian First Army, resulting in a victory for Germany (The Battle of Stalluponen). On the 19th August the Russian Cavalry came into contact with the German infantry. The Russians dismounted and brought up their artillery to fight, leaving the Germans to retreat.
On the 20th August, German troops attacked Russian troops ,driving them back 8km by the early afternoon. Russian reinforcements arrived and the battle turned to stalemate. Unfortunately, due in the original unofficial attack three days earlier, German reinforcements were unable to arrive for several hours, enabling the Russian soldiers to move up their heavy artillery. Although at first the German's advanced well, they soon had to retreat when they came under Russian artillery fire.
The losses were high as with many battle's throughout the war. The Russian's endured 18,839 soldiers wounded, killed or worse - missing.
The German's lost 1,250 men killed, 6414 more were wounded and 6,943 men were taken prisoner.
Tuesday 19 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
19th August
The German Army has executed 150 Belgians by firing squad. A German fleet has begun trying to shell the English coast.
In the months and years to follow while Belgium was occupied by Germany, the civilians would witness such mass killings on a weekly and sometimes even daily basis. When Belgium was liberated, the true extent of damage became clear. The people of Belgium were taught by the German's that if they saw a German soldier, they were to put the hands above their heads to prove they weren't carrying anything dangerous and pled with the soldier that they were of no harm. Failure to do this resulted in being shot. However, many stories came out through the years after the war about how even if you did as you were taught, if the soldier wanted to they might still shoot you thus creating wide-spread fear throughout Belgium.
The German Army has executed 150 Belgians by firing squad. A German fleet has begun trying to shell the English coast.
In the months and years to follow while Belgium was occupied by Germany, the civilians would witness such mass killings on a weekly and sometimes even daily basis. When Belgium was liberated, the true extent of damage became clear. The people of Belgium were taught by the German's that if they saw a German soldier, they were to put the hands above their heads to prove they weren't carrying anything dangerous and pled with the soldier that they were of no harm. Failure to do this resulted in being shot. However, many stories came out through the years after the war about how even if you did as you were taught, if the soldier wanted to they might still shoot you thus creating wide-spread fear throughout Belgium.
Monday 18 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
18th August 1914
French troops under General Dubail have occupied Sarrebourg.
General Dubail was given command of the French First Army when war broke out. He led his soldiers through the first invasion of Germany occupied land by taking Lorraine. However, the strong resistance from Germany pushed them back to the French border.
In 1915, General Dubail became concerned about a major German attack that he believed to be imminent. He told his Chief-In-Command his fears and asked for much needed reinforcements and heavy artillery. In spite of this, Joseph Joffre disagreed that there would be an attack and refused to fulfil his request. When the attack did happen, General Dubail was blamed and used as a scapegoat by Joseph and was publicly humiliated by being fired.
Although he did return to military life for a couple of years, I would imagine the stigma attached to Joesph's wrong-doing made it more stressful than it should have been. General Dubail removed himself from military and public life in 1918 and died in 1934 aged 82.
French troops under General Dubail have occupied Sarrebourg.
General Dubail was given command of the French First Army when war broke out. He led his soldiers through the first invasion of Germany occupied land by taking Lorraine. However, the strong resistance from Germany pushed them back to the French border.
In 1915, General Dubail became concerned about a major German attack that he believed to be imminent. He told his Chief-In-Command his fears and asked for much needed reinforcements and heavy artillery. In spite of this, Joseph Joffre disagreed that there would be an attack and refused to fulfil his request. When the attack did happen, General Dubail was blamed and used as a scapegoat by Joseph and was publicly humiliated by being fired.
Although he did return to military life for a couple of years, I would imagine the stigma attached to Joesph's wrong-doing made it more stressful than it should have been. General Dubail removed himself from military and public life in 1918 and died in 1934 aged 82.
Sunday 17 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
17th August 1914
French troops under the command of General De Castelnau have occupied Chateau Salins. Lithuania has surrendered to Germany.
General De Castelnau was to survive the war and died in 1944.
French troops under the command of General De Castelnau have occupied Chateau Salins. Lithuania has surrendered to Germany.
General De Castelnau was to survive the war and died in 1944.
Saturday 16 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
16th August 1914
The German army has occupied the last fort at Luik. Gerneral Leman from Belgium has been caught. The Battle of Cer has begun.
Leman was to spend the rest of the war as a prisoner until his release when the war ended. He received a hero's welcome from the people of Belgium and died in 1920 aged 69.
The Battle of Cer was fought between Austria-Hungary and Serbia and lasted nine days. Serbia was to become victorious however they used most of their ammunition in the battle and so were left weak until aid was sent. At the end of this battle Austria-Hungary lost over 6,000 men dead, 30,000 were injured and 4,500 were captured and became prisoners of war. Serbia lost over 3,000 men dead, with a further 15,000 injured.
The German army has occupied the last fort at Luik. Gerneral Leman from Belgium has been caught. The Battle of Cer has begun.
Leman was to spend the rest of the war as a prisoner until his release when the war ended. He received a hero's welcome from the people of Belgium and died in 1920 aged 69.
The Battle of Cer was fought between Austria-Hungary and Serbia and lasted nine days. Serbia was to become victorious however they used most of their ammunition in the battle and so were left weak until aid was sent. At the end of this battle Austria-Hungary lost over 6,000 men dead, 30,000 were injured and 4,500 were captured and became prisoners of war. Serbia lost over 3,000 men dead, with a further 15,000 injured.
Friday 15 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
15th August 1914
Dinant in Belgium has been destroyed by German bombs. Japan has joined the allies side in the battle for victory.
What people didn't know at the time was that Charles De Gaulle, later to become a popular man within France, had been injured in Dinant. Whilst recovering from his injuries in hospital, he spent most of his time working on tactics to help win the war. Charles was to survive the war and fight through world war 2 as well. He died at his home in 1970 at nearly 80 years old.
Dinant in Belgium has been destroyed by German bombs. Japan has joined the allies side in the battle for victory.
What people didn't know at the time was that Charles De Gaulle, later to become a popular man within France, had been injured in Dinant. Whilst recovering from his injuries in hospital, he spent most of his time working on tactics to help win the war. Charles was to survive the war and fight through world war 2 as well. He died at his home in 1970 at nearly 80 years old.
Life AT War - Terror in London
Britain 1915. The war to end all wars was continuing. It will be over by Christmas had not happened and war remained. The British people didn't know it but they still had another three years of war to endure. Unbeknown to the British, on the 7th January 1915 Germany had just been given permission to bomb Britain using the Zeppelins. What was to follow was death and destruction never seen before. It was bombing raids that killed both the old and the young and created terror amongst the population.
The Zeppelin was created many years earlier and was named after its German creator, Count Ferdinand Von Zeppelin. In 1910 the Zeppelins were used as a passenger-paying airline. By the time the war how started, these German Zeppelins had flown over 1,500 passengers to various destinations.
In 1914, civillans started to report the sighting of Zeppelins, manly along the coast area. Although no other evidence was found, the German's were probably using the Zeppelins for reconnaissance missions that would aid them later in the war. It wasn't until January the next year that these would be used as a weapon.
In 1915 Germany began its bombing mission's on Britain. The drone of the Zeppelins could be heard well before it could be seen which warned people of what was about to happen. On average, Germany was able to launch two attacked per month - a lot less raids than would happen in a war to follow not that far in the future. The bombs these Zeppelins dropped caused damage to homes & businesses as well as killed or injured over 1,300 people. The destruction and devastation caused terror and outrage, that people had been personally attacked. The people had expected death in a far-away country but never in their wildest dreams had they thought it would be them in danger.
The Zeppelin was made from a light metallic and wood framework which contained specialist gas bags filled with hydrogen. Covering all of this was a canvas-like material that would add some protection to the weather conditions. It also had engines fitted with propellers on the outside so it could fly faster and had a passenger gondola on the underside. The design of the Zeppelin meant that it was controlled more so by the weather than the military and on numerous occasions, couldn't fly due to bad weather. The hydrogen filled bags also meant that these Zeppelins were highly flammable as many people were to find out during the course of the war.
Below are the stories of two pilots that on different occasions came out victorious against the Zeppelins. At a time when flying had only just begun, these two men showed true courage and bravery in order to protect their country.
During a night time mission on 6th June 1915, Rex Warneford was flying his Morane-Saulnier when he saw in the distance a Zeppelin on its was back from a bombing raid he knew had been reported in London. He tried shooting it down but came under heavy machine fire from the machine gun the crew were using on-board. He was angry that Britain had been attacked again and so decided to change his tactics. As the Zeppelin climbed in the sky to become less visible and make its was home, so did Rex. He stayed out of view of the crew on the Zeppelin but as the Zeppelin began its descent into Brussels, he decided to take his revenge. Climbing about 100 ft above the Zeppelin, Rex then released his six bombs which he was carrying, onto the Zeppelin. A huge explosion followed which completely destroyed the Zeppelin, but it also caused damage to Rex's plane. He was forced to land behind enemy lines, in the hope he wouldn't be found, so that he could carry out some much needed repairs on his plane. As soon as Rex landed he worked quickly and efficiently to repair his Morane-Saulnier and was able to take off and fly back home. Once landed safely back in Britain, Rex's story became known and he was awarded the Victoria Cross from Britain and from France awarded the Knights Cross of the Legion d'Honneur. As with many men fighting in the land, see and air during World War 1, Rex never got to see Britain's victory in the end of the war. He died just ten days after his Zeppelin Victory in another flying accident.
At 2am on 2nd September 1916, the people of Cuffley rose from their beds and ran to a nearby field to see what was happened. People could hear the dreaded drone of a Zeppelin getting closer and closer but something felt different tonight for many of the people. Suddenly a small gleam of orange light appeared on part of the Zeppelin. Within seconds that some gleam had turned into a fireball that was later reported to have been seen for up to 100 miles. The people stood still in amazement, watching the fireball slowly fall out of the sky. The next day, people were seen to be looking at the remains of a Zeppelin, of which had been casting fear amongst the people of Britain for over a year. Due to the highly flammable gas, the Zeppelin had burst into flames and had come down into thousands of tiny pieces, of which people were now taking home as souvenirs.
Slowly throughout the day, the story of Lieutenant William Leefe-Robinson unfolded. The pilot had saw the Zeppelin over Britain and had used three rounds only of machine fire which hit it and caused the gleam of like many people reportedly saw first. This then caused the gas to ignite and that fireball which then brought the Zeppelin to the ground. This was the first Zeppelin to be brought down on British soil and was seen as a huge victory and turning point of the war for the civilians. William's brave efforts had meant that although Zeppelin raids still occurred, the British people knew that the Zeppelins could be destroyed and a small amount of the terror had gone. For William, he continued to bravely fight the enemy in more missions and survived to see the end of the war. Lieutenant William Leefe-Robinson was unable to enjoy the freedom he had been fighting tirelessly for as just one month after the end of the war, he died in the influenza epidemic. However, for the people of Cuffley, his memory lived on and they was forever grateful.
For Germany, the use of the Zeppelin as a weapon of war proved unsatisfactory. As well as the highly flammable gases, as proved in the stories above, they were also large, loud and relatively slow moving. Of the 115 Zeppelins that Germany owned, 53 were completely destroyed and a further 24 more were too damaged to be used. As a result, after World War 1 ended, the Zeppelin's were never used by Germany as a weapon of war.
Men like Rex & William changed the path of the future of Britain for the best. When the first world war broke out, flying was a new concept of which Britain and its flying corps had just started. These men had very little training and safety procedures were unheard of. All they had was a small knowledge of how to fly, aim and release bombs and their own initiative to keep them safe. These brave men paved the way so that in world war two, we were able to use Spitfires & Hurricanes to help us win the battle of Britain and today be able to use advanced technology in the Euro Typhoons. If these men could see how far Britain has come, I'm sure they would be amazed that we now fly planes that, if needed to, can fly north to south of England in just under ten minutes.
The Zeppelin was created many years earlier and was named after its German creator, Count Ferdinand Von Zeppelin. In 1910 the Zeppelins were used as a passenger-paying airline. By the time the war how started, these German Zeppelins had flown over 1,500 passengers to various destinations.
In 1914, civillans started to report the sighting of Zeppelins, manly along the coast area. Although no other evidence was found, the German's were probably using the Zeppelins for reconnaissance missions that would aid them later in the war. It wasn't until January the next year that these would be used as a weapon.
In 1915 Germany began its bombing mission's on Britain. The drone of the Zeppelins could be heard well before it could be seen which warned people of what was about to happen. On average, Germany was able to launch two attacked per month - a lot less raids than would happen in a war to follow not that far in the future. The bombs these Zeppelins dropped caused damage to homes & businesses as well as killed or injured over 1,300 people. The destruction and devastation caused terror and outrage, that people had been personally attacked. The people had expected death in a far-away country but never in their wildest dreams had they thought it would be them in danger.
The Zeppelin was made from a light metallic and wood framework which contained specialist gas bags filled with hydrogen. Covering all of this was a canvas-like material that would add some protection to the weather conditions. It also had engines fitted with propellers on the outside so it could fly faster and had a passenger gondola on the underside. The design of the Zeppelin meant that it was controlled more so by the weather than the military and on numerous occasions, couldn't fly due to bad weather. The hydrogen filled bags also meant that these Zeppelins were highly flammable as many people were to find out during the course of the war.
Below are the stories of two pilots that on different occasions came out victorious against the Zeppelins. At a time when flying had only just begun, these two men showed true courage and bravery in order to protect their country.
During a night time mission on 6th June 1915, Rex Warneford was flying his Morane-Saulnier when he saw in the distance a Zeppelin on its was back from a bombing raid he knew had been reported in London. He tried shooting it down but came under heavy machine fire from the machine gun the crew were using on-board. He was angry that Britain had been attacked again and so decided to change his tactics. As the Zeppelin climbed in the sky to become less visible and make its was home, so did Rex. He stayed out of view of the crew on the Zeppelin but as the Zeppelin began its descent into Brussels, he decided to take his revenge. Climbing about 100 ft above the Zeppelin, Rex then released his six bombs which he was carrying, onto the Zeppelin. A huge explosion followed which completely destroyed the Zeppelin, but it also caused damage to Rex's plane. He was forced to land behind enemy lines, in the hope he wouldn't be found, so that he could carry out some much needed repairs on his plane. As soon as Rex landed he worked quickly and efficiently to repair his Morane-Saulnier and was able to take off and fly back home. Once landed safely back in Britain, Rex's story became known and he was awarded the Victoria Cross from Britain and from France awarded the Knights Cross of the Legion d'Honneur. As with many men fighting in the land, see and air during World War 1, Rex never got to see Britain's victory in the end of the war. He died just ten days after his Zeppelin Victory in another flying accident.
At 2am on 2nd September 1916, the people of Cuffley rose from their beds and ran to a nearby field to see what was happened. People could hear the dreaded drone of a Zeppelin getting closer and closer but something felt different tonight for many of the people. Suddenly a small gleam of orange light appeared on part of the Zeppelin. Within seconds that some gleam had turned into a fireball that was later reported to have been seen for up to 100 miles. The people stood still in amazement, watching the fireball slowly fall out of the sky. The next day, people were seen to be looking at the remains of a Zeppelin, of which had been casting fear amongst the people of Britain for over a year. Due to the highly flammable gas, the Zeppelin had burst into flames and had come down into thousands of tiny pieces, of which people were now taking home as souvenirs.
Slowly throughout the day, the story of Lieutenant William Leefe-Robinson unfolded. The pilot had saw the Zeppelin over Britain and had used three rounds only of machine fire which hit it and caused the gleam of like many people reportedly saw first. This then caused the gas to ignite and that fireball which then brought the Zeppelin to the ground. This was the first Zeppelin to be brought down on British soil and was seen as a huge victory and turning point of the war for the civilians. William's brave efforts had meant that although Zeppelin raids still occurred, the British people knew that the Zeppelins could be destroyed and a small amount of the terror had gone. For William, he continued to bravely fight the enemy in more missions and survived to see the end of the war. Lieutenant William Leefe-Robinson was unable to enjoy the freedom he had been fighting tirelessly for as just one month after the end of the war, he died in the influenza epidemic. However, for the people of Cuffley, his memory lived on and they was forever grateful.
For Germany, the use of the Zeppelin as a weapon of war proved unsatisfactory. As well as the highly flammable gases, as proved in the stories above, they were also large, loud and relatively slow moving. Of the 115 Zeppelins that Germany owned, 53 were completely destroyed and a further 24 more were too damaged to be used. As a result, after World War 1 ended, the Zeppelin's were never used by Germany as a weapon of war.
Men like Rex & William changed the path of the future of Britain for the best. When the first world war broke out, flying was a new concept of which Britain and its flying corps had just started. These men had very little training and safety procedures were unheard of. All they had was a small knowledge of how to fly, aim and release bombs and their own initiative to keep them safe. These brave men paved the way so that in world war two, we were able to use Spitfires & Hurricanes to help us win the battle of Britain and today be able to use advanced technology in the Euro Typhoons. If these men could see how far Britain has come, I'm sure they would be amazed that we now fly planes that, if needed to, can fly north to south of England in just under ten minutes.
Thursday 14 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
14th August 1914
British Field Marshal John French and General Wilson have landed in France.
John French, at the outbreak of war, had been given command of the British Expeditionary Force but due to his erratic performance, in 1915 he was to be replaced by Haig. John was sent home for the remainder of the war but was given command of the British Home Front. Sir John French survived the war and died in 1925.
General Wilson was John's most important advisor throughout 1914. Unfortunately his poor relations with John's replacement Haig meant that he was often sidelined and was left out of the decision making through the middle war years. In 1917 Wilson became military advisor to the Prime Minister David Lloyd George. After the war, he became a security advisor to the Northern Ireland Government. Sir Henry Hughes Wilson was assassinated on his own doorstep by two IRA gunmen in 1922. He had been returning home after unveiling a war memorial at Liverpool Street Station. He had six wounds, two of them fatal.
British Field Marshal John French and General Wilson have landed in France.
John French, at the outbreak of war, had been given command of the British Expeditionary Force but due to his erratic performance, in 1915 he was to be replaced by Haig. John was sent home for the remainder of the war but was given command of the British Home Front. Sir John French survived the war and died in 1925.
General Wilson was John's most important advisor throughout 1914. Unfortunately his poor relations with John's replacement Haig meant that he was often sidelined and was left out of the decision making through the middle war years. In 1917 Wilson became military advisor to the Prime Minister David Lloyd George. After the war, he became a security advisor to the Northern Ireland Government. Sir Henry Hughes Wilson was assassinated on his own doorstep by two IRA gunmen in 1922. He had been returning home after unveiling a war memorial at Liverpool Street Station. He had six wounds, two of them fatal.
Tuesday 12 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
12th August 1914
France has declared war on Austria-Hungary. German 12"/16.5" guns have been firing on forts around Luik. Great Britain has declared war on Austria-Hungary. Russian troops have taken East-Prussia and have occupied Marggrabowa. The Belgium cavalry have been battling the Germans in Halen, Belgium.
The Battle of Halen took place between German forces led by Georg Von Der Marwitz and Belgium troops led by Leon De Witte. What resulted was a tactical victory for the Belgians. However, as with all battles from World War 1, the losses where high. The German's lost 150 men dead, a further 600 men wounded, around 250 men taken prisoner and 400 horses dead. The Belgian's lost 160 men dead and a further 320 men wounded.
France has declared war on Austria-Hungary. German 12"/16.5" guns have been firing on forts around Luik. Great Britain has declared war on Austria-Hungary. Russian troops have taken East-Prussia and have occupied Marggrabowa. The Belgium cavalry have been battling the Germans in Halen, Belgium.
The Battle of Halen took place between German forces led by Georg Von Der Marwitz and Belgium troops led by Leon De Witte. What resulted was a tactical victory for the Belgians. However, as with all battles from World War 1, the losses where high. The German's lost 150 men dead, a further 600 men wounded, around 250 men taken prisoner and 400 horses dead. The Belgian's lost 160 men dead and a further 320 men wounded.
Monday 11 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
11th August 1914
Jew's have been expelled from their homes in Mitchenick, Poland.
Unfortunately for the Jews, they were to have many more events in history where hatred was set upon them. Hopefully, in the ear future, people will start to realise that everyone should be able to live a free life no matter what their background and belief's are.
Jew's have been expelled from their homes in Mitchenick, Poland.
Unfortunately for the Jews, they were to have many more events in history where hatred was set upon them. Hopefully, in the ear future, people will start to realise that everyone should be able to live a free life no matter what their background and belief's are.
Sunday 10 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
10th August 1914
The German 12"/16.5" guns have reached Luik at the Belgium border. The German battle cruiser Goeben reaches Dardanellen in Turkey where Turkey has decided to join forces with Germany. Germany troops have reconquered Mulhouse in Elzas. The Royal Nationally Steuncomite has formed.
Seiner Majestat Schiff Goeben was 612ft 2" long and 96ft wide and her top speed was 25.5 knots. The ship was extremely armed with a man battery of ten 28cm SK L/50 guns in five twin turrets, twelve 15cm AK L/45 guns in the centre of the ship and twelve 8.8cm AK L/45 guns in the bow, the stern and around the forward conning tower. She also had four 20" submerged torpedo tubes.
The German 12"/16.5" guns have reached Luik at the Belgium border. The German battle cruiser Goeben reaches Dardanellen in Turkey where Turkey has decided to join forces with Germany. Germany troops have reconquered Mulhouse in Elzas. The Royal Nationally Steuncomite has formed.
Seiner Majestat Schiff Goeben was 612ft 2" long and 96ft wide and her top speed was 25.5 knots. The ship was extremely armed with a man battery of ten 28cm SK L/50 guns in five twin turrets, twelve 15cm AK L/45 guns in the centre of the ship and twelve 8.8cm AK L/45 guns in the bow, the stern and around the forward conning tower. She also had four 20" submerged torpedo tubes.
Life AT War - An unexpected explosion
Friday 19th January 6:40pm Families were just settling down for the evening. Many women were doing mending or cooking, children cooking. Suddenly at 6:52pm a explosion creates terror , had the enemy arrived?
At a munitions factory in Silvertown carnage had erupted. A fire had broke out in the melt-pot room, people were rushing around trying to get the fire under control. The factory had been opened two years into the war and at the height of production was producing up to nine tons per day. The workers were trying to get put out the fire and had got most of it under control when the TNT caught fire causing the large explosion.
The explosion could be heard for miles around and red-hot rubble was causing more destruction by causing fires and injuring people. A gasometer gasholder was damaged which caused a fireball from 200,000 cubic meters of gas. As well as this local warehouses, homes and other buildings were also damaged. This meant that more people were injured in the surrounding area as well as the many killed in within the factory.
The emergency services worked tirelessly to put out fires and help the injured and well as help carry out any repairs needed. The Salvation Army and the YMCA also helped doing anything that was needed including giving out food and drink.
In the weeks and months that followed, an investigation was carried out, which although it concluded that there was no single cause for the explosion, it was highly unlikely to have been sabotaged by the Germans or from an air raid. Further investigations proved however that the sight that the War Office had chosen for the TNT factory was unsafe for such a use, especially in such a highly populated area.
In this disaster, 73 people were killed with a further 400 people injured, an estimated 70,000 properties were damaged with even more damaged beyond repair. The Edward medal was awarded to Andreas Angel and George Wenbourne. The Kings Police Medal was awarded to PC Edward George Brown Greenoff of which you can find the plaque dedicated to Edward on the Memorial to Heroic self sacrifice in Postman's Park in London.
It was decided that due to the damage of most of the properties in the immediate area, they would be demolished and rebuilt. In the report, it would found that most of the people in the area were living in poor unsanitary conditions. Unfortunately it took for a disaster to happen and many lives lost for the higher powers to realise that an area was living in poor conditions.
At a munitions factory in Silvertown carnage had erupted. A fire had broke out in the melt-pot room, people were rushing around trying to get the fire under control. The factory had been opened two years into the war and at the height of production was producing up to nine tons per day. The workers were trying to get put out the fire and had got most of it under control when the TNT caught fire causing the large explosion.
The explosion could be heard for miles around and red-hot rubble was causing more destruction by causing fires and injuring people. A gasometer gasholder was damaged which caused a fireball from 200,000 cubic meters of gas. As well as this local warehouses, homes and other buildings were also damaged. This meant that more people were injured in the surrounding area as well as the many killed in within the factory.
The emergency services worked tirelessly to put out fires and help the injured and well as help carry out any repairs needed. The Salvation Army and the YMCA also helped doing anything that was needed including giving out food and drink.
In the weeks and months that followed, an investigation was carried out, which although it concluded that there was no single cause for the explosion, it was highly unlikely to have been sabotaged by the Germans or from an air raid. Further investigations proved however that the sight that the War Office had chosen for the TNT factory was unsafe for such a use, especially in such a highly populated area.
In this disaster, 73 people were killed with a further 400 people injured, an estimated 70,000 properties were damaged with even more damaged beyond repair. The Edward medal was awarded to Andreas Angel and George Wenbourne. The Kings Police Medal was awarded to PC Edward George Brown Greenoff of which you can find the plaque dedicated to Edward on the Memorial to Heroic self sacrifice in Postman's Park in London.
It was decided that due to the damage of most of the properties in the immediate area, they would be demolished and rebuilt. In the report, it would found that most of the people in the area were living in poor unsanitary conditions. Unfortunately it took for a disaster to happen and many lives lost for the higher powers to realise that an area was living in poor conditions.
Saturday 9 August 2014
Friday 8 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
8th August 1914
French Troops under Gerneral Bonneau have occupied Mulhouse at Elzas. Montenegro have declared war on Germany.
French Troops under Gerneral Bonneau have occupied Mulhouse at Elzas. Montenegro have declared war on Germany.
Thursday 7 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
7th August 1914
The French government has awarded King Albert of Belgium the Great Cross. French troops under General Bonneau have occupied Altkitrch at Elzas. The German army has occupied the city of Liege in Belgium. Lord Kitchner has published a poster saying "Your Country needs you" as more recruits are needed.
The French government has awarded King Albert of Belgium the Great Cross. French troops under General Bonneau have occupied Altkitrch at Elzas. The German army has occupied the city of Liege in Belgium. Lord Kitchner has published a poster saying "Your Country needs you" as more recruits are needed.
Wednesday 6 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
6th August 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia and Serbia. Dennis Patrick Dowd Jr has enlisted in the French Foreign Legion, becoming the first American to fight in the world war. The French Cavalry has entered Belgium. A German Zeppelin has bombed Liege City killing nine people. Serbia has declared war against Germany.
Dennis Patrick Dowd Jr later went on to be a student aviator. Unfortunately, he was killed in an airplane accident on 11th August 1916.
The French Foreign Legion is part of the French army established in 1831. It is open for foreign nationals as well as French citizens to join as long as they are willing to serve with the French armed forces.
Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia and Serbia. Dennis Patrick Dowd Jr has enlisted in the French Foreign Legion, becoming the first American to fight in the world war. The French Cavalry has entered Belgium. A German Zeppelin has bombed Liege City killing nine people. Serbia has declared war against Germany.
Dennis Patrick Dowd Jr later went on to be a student aviator. Unfortunately, he was killed in an airplane accident on 11th August 1916.
The French Foreign Legion is part of the French army established in 1831. It is open for foreign nationals as well as French citizens to join as long as they are willing to serve with the French armed forces.
Tuesday 5 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
5th August 1914
Cuba, Uruguay, Mexico and Argentina have all proclaimed neutrality. A massive German assault is occurring on forts around Luik. Montenegro declares war against Austria-Hungary.
Cuba, Uruguay, Mexico and Argentina have all proclaimed neutrality. A massive German assault is occurring on forts around Luik. Montenegro declares war against Austria-Hungary.
Monday 4 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
4th August 1914
From the minute Britain were told Belgium had been invaded and war declared on France, they have been putting their faith in the Empire Brotherhood, that they will stand in and help win war against Germany. The British Empire covers a staggering 11,400,000 square miles of territory, reigning over 410,000 million people. These include India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Rhodesia, Hong Kong, Gibraltar, several islands in the West Indies and various colonies on the African Coast.
Britain needs the empires manpower, surplus food and economic strength to stand any chance of victory against Germany... Britain has declared war on Germany.
Without Britain's empire she would have had to admit defeat without a doubt. Apart from Britain's large naval fleet, the rest of her army were tiny compared with Germany. Britain's Empire stood by her when she needed them most and more importantly they kept her going all the way through. We therefore owe the countries and islands that were in the empire from 1914 - 1918 a huge debt and will be eternally grateful. On Remembrance Sunday later in the year, spare a thought for the people of the Empire that chose to help Britain gain victory. To those that were lost in Flander's fields, to those that sustained injury during battle and to those that stayed in their homeland working tirelessly to make food and other much needed supplies for Britain - We Salute You
From the minute Britain were told Belgium had been invaded and war declared on France, they have been putting their faith in the Empire Brotherhood, that they will stand in and help win war against Germany. The British Empire covers a staggering 11,400,000 square miles of territory, reigning over 410,000 million people. These include India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Rhodesia, Hong Kong, Gibraltar, several islands in the West Indies and various colonies on the African Coast.
Britain needs the empires manpower, surplus food and economic strength to stand any chance of victory against Germany... Britain has declared war on Germany.
Without Britain's empire she would have had to admit defeat without a doubt. Apart from Britain's large naval fleet, the rest of her army were tiny compared with Germany. Britain's Empire stood by her when she needed them most and more importantly they kept her going all the way through. We therefore owe the countries and islands that were in the empire from 1914 - 1918 a huge debt and will be eternally grateful. On Remembrance Sunday later in the year, spare a thought for the people of the Empire that chose to help Britain gain victory. To those that were lost in Flander's fields, to those that sustained injury during battle and to those that stayed in their homeland working tirelessly to make food and other much needed supplies for Britain - We Salute You
Sunday 3 August 2014
Life At War - Day to Day
3rd August 1914
The Schlieffen Plan, that Germany have been drawing up since 1897 was being implemented. The plan, not known to any other nation, assumes that Belgium won't put up any resistance to German soldiers marching through and that Britain will stay out of the war that is starting. The plan states that Germany would like to be at war with both Russia and France at the same time. France, they believe, will be weak and will be defeated within six weeks of war, Russia, to be too slow in mobilising the army.
Germany have told the Belgium King and Government that they need to march they're soldiers through Belgium to defend themselves against an attack that is imminent from France. Belgium has told them that they will not grant them the needed permission as they do not believe there is a threat from France. Therefore Germany decides to attack and invade Belgium anyway.
The Schlieffen Plan, that Germany have been drawing up since 1897 was being implemented. The plan, not known to any other nation, assumes that Belgium won't put up any resistance to German soldiers marching through and that Britain will stay out of the war that is starting. The plan states that Germany would like to be at war with both Russia and France at the same time. France, they believe, will be weak and will be defeated within six weeks of war, Russia, to be too slow in mobilising the army.
Germany have told the Belgium King and Government that they need to march they're soldiers through Belgium to defend themselves against an attack that is imminent from France. Belgium has told them that they will not grant them the needed permission as they do not believe there is a threat from France. Therefore Germany decides to attack and invade Belgium anyway.
Life AT War - Making the Britain we know today
World War one was the first of a new type of war. A war no longer fought in foreign lands, instead a war the touched everyone. This was the first war that included the new technology of air power. I recently had the pleasure of watching the Great War Display team which was a lovely sight to see. However, for anyone that hasn't seen these, they aren't the fighters that we use today like the Eurofighters or the new F-35 that can launch its weapons and fly away from the target zones before the weapons have had time to explode. They weren't even the spitfire fighters of World War 2 that could weave in and out, trying to destroy their enemy's of the sky.
Instead these bi-planes, although the height of technology of the time, were slow and easily effected by weather conditions. They normally had a crew of two - one to fly and what to use weapons. As you can imagine this meant that they were more like sitting ducks with very little training before they were send to defend the soldiers on the front.
U-boats were another new idea that caused pain and death to many men, women and children as they attached both passenger ships and supplies ships. This was a new war that attacked the heart of Britain. However, what the enemy achieved instead was a new inner strength and determination to prove that the innocent people that had been killed had not died in vain. It also meant that Britain needed to become more self-sufficient else it's people would starve.
Women were able to do things in the work place like never before. They could learn to drive, work in factories and on farms that would usually only be done by strong men. A lot of these women loved earning there own money and the feeling of doing something important, that when the war ended many didn't want to give up their work.
The Great war destroyed many lives especially on the homefront. Men had to deal with shells landing close by, artillery fire and gas attacks as well as much more. It meant that none of the soldiers that returned would ever be the same again. A lot of men on returning to Britain were left damaged physically and mentally by the war years and were unable to work again the way they had pre-war. There wasn't any specific follow on care and mental health was only just being recognised. These men, who had given so much to help Britain become victorious, were left standing around on street corners and in markets not really knowing what to do. The Royal British Legion recognised this and started making poppies that these men could then sell creating a purpose for them. Although it wasn't making a significant difference like a factory would, it gave men something to do as well as making sure that the men left in Flanders fields were not forgotten. This how now become a tradition that is done every year in order to honour all those people that have sacrificed themselves to keep us free.
Not only were men left to cope on their own but many widows with large families that needs food, clothes and a roof over their head. There wasn't the welfare system that we have today. If money was needed you had to go out to work which meant that a lot of women started looking for any jobs available. These were usually the jobs that nobody else would do and would be very lowly paid.
Due to women working, they felt they needed shorter skirts and shorter hair styles that would not get trapped in machinery or make working difficult. This paved the way for the diversity in fashion that we have today.
Many children were left to fend for themselves during the daytime as women went to work. Many of the children had either lost their fathers or had fathers suffering from shell shock now more commonly now as post traumatic stress disorder. Children soon learnt to stay out of their way and many of them were scared to be left alone with the men. This led to children being on the street more and led to them playing the street games that most of us still remember.
These are just some of things that changed how we live today. Who would have known that in the not to distant future another world war would just be getting started.
Instead these bi-planes, although the height of technology of the time, were slow and easily effected by weather conditions. They normally had a crew of two - one to fly and what to use weapons. As you can imagine this meant that they were more like sitting ducks with very little training before they were send to defend the soldiers on the front.
U-boats were another new idea that caused pain and death to many men, women and children as they attached both passenger ships and supplies ships. This was a new war that attacked the heart of Britain. However, what the enemy achieved instead was a new inner strength and determination to prove that the innocent people that had been killed had not died in vain. It also meant that Britain needed to become more self-sufficient else it's people would starve.
Women were able to do things in the work place like never before. They could learn to drive, work in factories and on farms that would usually only be done by strong men. A lot of these women loved earning there own money and the feeling of doing something important, that when the war ended many didn't want to give up their work.
The Great war destroyed many lives especially on the homefront. Men had to deal with shells landing close by, artillery fire and gas attacks as well as much more. It meant that none of the soldiers that returned would ever be the same again. A lot of men on returning to Britain were left damaged physically and mentally by the war years and were unable to work again the way they had pre-war. There wasn't any specific follow on care and mental health was only just being recognised. These men, who had given so much to help Britain become victorious, were left standing around on street corners and in markets not really knowing what to do. The Royal British Legion recognised this and started making poppies that these men could then sell creating a purpose for them. Although it wasn't making a significant difference like a factory would, it gave men something to do as well as making sure that the men left in Flanders fields were not forgotten. This how now become a tradition that is done every year in order to honour all those people that have sacrificed themselves to keep us free.
Not only were men left to cope on their own but many widows with large families that needs food, clothes and a roof over their head. There wasn't the welfare system that we have today. If money was needed you had to go out to work which meant that a lot of women started looking for any jobs available. These were usually the jobs that nobody else would do and would be very lowly paid.
Due to women working, they felt they needed shorter skirts and shorter hair styles that would not get trapped in machinery or make working difficult. This paved the way for the diversity in fashion that we have today.
Many children were left to fend for themselves during the daytime as women went to work. Many of the children had either lost their fathers or had fathers suffering from shell shock now more commonly now as post traumatic stress disorder. Children soon learnt to stay out of their way and many of them were scared to be left alone with the men. This led to children being on the street more and led to them playing the street games that most of us still remember.
These are just some of things that changed how we live today. Who would have known that in the not to distant future another world war would just be getting started.
Friday 1 August 2014
Life AT War - Day By Day
1st August 1914
Russia mobilizes along the German and Austria-Hungary borders. As a consequence, Germany has stated that this threatening step has left them in grave and imminent danger for which they need to react. Germany has declared war on Russia...
Today, one hundred years ago, marks the day with which Germany declared war on Russia. If only the soldiers of all nations preparing to fight knew, that one hundred years later not only would we be remembering those who fought in the war to end wars but that there would be troubles brewing again in Eastern Europe.
The only difference? Hopefully we will have all learnt from previous conflicts that violence and mass military parades along borders does nothing but escalate troubles.
Russia mobilizes along the German and Austria-Hungary borders. As a consequence, Germany has stated that this threatening step has left them in grave and imminent danger for which they need to react. Germany has declared war on Russia...
Today, one hundred years ago, marks the day with which Germany declared war on Russia. If only the soldiers of all nations preparing to fight knew, that one hundred years later not only would we be remembering those who fought in the war to end wars but that there would be troubles brewing again in Eastern Europe.
The only difference? Hopefully we will have all learnt from previous conflicts that violence and mass military parades along borders does nothing but escalate troubles.
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