21st November 1914
The British Army has conquered Bazra
Friday 21 November 2014
Monday 17 November 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
17th November 1914
The United States of America have declared the Panama Canal Zone neutral.
The United States of America have declared the Panama Canal Zone neutral.
Sunday 16 November 2014
Tuesday 11 November 2014
Remember Me
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
Listed below are the casualties mentioned so far. At only a few months into the war, the loss on both sides were high. When we remember, we should not only think about the people on our side, but those that at the time were the enemy. No matter what their beliefs, these men and women were somebody's husband, wife, son or daughter. The children that were affected by war were just as innocent as the children on our side. So remember them all...
Women of The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry
The Voluntary Aid Detachment
The Woman's Royal Naval Service
The Woman's Auxiliary Army Corps
The Women's Royal Air Force
The soldiers fighting at Luik at the Belgium border on 10th August 1914
The workers & civillians affected by the Silvertown munitions factory explosion on Friday 19th January
The crew of the British cruiser sunk on 9th August 1914
The nine people killed in Liege city by a German Zeppelin
Dennis Patrick Dowd Jr
General Dubail
General De Castelnau
General Leman
The 9,000 soldiers killed at the battle of Cer
Charles De Gaulle
The civillians and soldiers killed in Dinant on 15th August 1914
The 1,300 killed by zeppelin bombs
Sir John French
General Wilson
The 310 soldiers and 400 horses killed at the battle of Halen
The soldiers killed at the battle of Bergen
The 612 inhabitants in Dinant executed on 23rd August 1914 - including 3 week old baby Felix Fivet
The 384 inhabitants of Tamines executed on the 22nd August 1914
The 20,089 killed in the battle of Gumbinnen
The 211 Belgians executed on the 20th August 1914
The 150 Belgians executed on 19th August 1914
And to the many more that I have been unable to mention
WE WILL REMEMBER YOU
When you go home, tell them of us and say:
For your tomorrow we gave our today.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
Listed below are the casualties mentioned so far. At only a few months into the war, the loss on both sides were high. When we remember, we should not only think about the people on our side, but those that at the time were the enemy. No matter what their beliefs, these men and women were somebody's husband, wife, son or daughter. The children that were affected by war were just as innocent as the children on our side. So remember them all...
Women of The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry
The Voluntary Aid Detachment
The Woman's Royal Naval Service
The Woman's Auxiliary Army Corps
The Women's Royal Air Force
The soldiers fighting at Luik at the Belgium border on 10th August 1914
The workers & civillians affected by the Silvertown munitions factory explosion on Friday 19th January
The crew of the British cruiser sunk on 9th August 1914
The nine people killed in Liege city by a German Zeppelin
Dennis Patrick Dowd Jr
General Dubail
General De Castelnau
General Leman
The 9,000 soldiers killed at the battle of Cer
Charles De Gaulle
The civillians and soldiers killed in Dinant on 15th August 1914
The 1,300 killed by zeppelin bombs
Sir John French
General Wilson
The 310 soldiers and 400 horses killed at the battle of Halen
The soldiers killed at the battle of Bergen
The 612 inhabitants in Dinant executed on 23rd August 1914 - including 3 week old baby Felix Fivet
The 384 inhabitants of Tamines executed on the 22nd August 1914
The 20,089 killed in the battle of Gumbinnen
The 211 Belgians executed on the 20th August 1914
The 150 Belgians executed on 19th August 1914
And to the many more that I have been unable to mention
WE WILL REMEMBER YOU
When you go home, tell them of us and say:
For your tomorrow we gave our today.
Wednesday 5 November 2014
Sunday 2 November 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
2nd November 1914
Britain has annexed Cyprus and has also delcared that the whole of the North Sea is a military area and has stated that neutral ships will enter at their own risk. Russia has declared war on the Ottoman Empire.
The first reason Britain annexed Cyprus was that it wanted to keep Cyrprus from being invaded by Turkey, something that was to happen in the not to distant future.
Britain has annexed Cyprus and has also delcared that the whole of the North Sea is a military area and has stated that neutral ships will enter at their own risk. Russia has declared war on the Ottoman Empire.
The first reason Britain annexed Cyprus was that it wanted to keep Cyrprus from being invaded by Turkey, something that was to happen in the not to distant future.
Saturday 1 November 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
1st November 1914
A German vs British naval battle has commenced at Coronel, off the coast of Chile. Von Hindenburg has been named as Marshal of the Eastern Front
The battle was to last only one day with German victory. Over 2,500 people were killed with many more being injured.
A German vs British naval battle has commenced at Coronel, off the coast of Chile. Von Hindenburg has been named as Marshal of the Eastern Front
The battle was to last only one day with German victory. Over 2,500 people were killed with many more being injured.
Friday 31 October 2014
Thursday 30 October 2014
Life AT War - Day By Day
30th October 1914
The Allied offensive at Ypres has begun.
This is also known as Wipers.
The battle of Warsaw has ended with German defeat.
The Allied offensive at Ypres has begun.
This is also known as Wipers.
The battle of Warsaw has ended with German defeat.
Wednesday 29 October 2014
Tuesday 28 October 2014
Monday 27 October 2014
Life AT War - Day By Day
27th October 1914
The British battleship Audacious has been sunk by a mine.
The British battleship Audacious has been sunk by a mine.
Saturday 18 October 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
18th October 1914
A movement called The Schoenstatt Movement has been founded in Germany.
The movement was set up by Father Kentenich and believes in a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. Today the movement is valued in many different countries all over the world.
A movement called The Schoenstatt Movement has been founded in Germany.
The movement was set up by Father Kentenich and believes in a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. Today the movement is valued in many different countries all over the world.
Friday 17 October 2014
Medical Advances Of The Great War
Today, the medical field is highly established and the research field is heavily funded so that we can explore new techniques and treatments. However, some of the techniques we use today were established during World War 1. A time when medical research was really just getting started, two treatments, that today are highly used, were just getting started.
The first was plastic surgery. This is not the cosmetic type to fix a imperfection we feel we have but instead a surgery for the correction or restoration of form and function. Sir Harold Gillies from New Zealand started and developed the facial surgeries we still use today. Without Harold's tireless effort and experimenting, over 5,000 men may have died or been left severely disfiguired from their injuries. Because of his research over 5,000 had 11,000 operations conducted at the Cambridge Miliary Hospital.
Previously, facial wounds had been stitched together which left scares, disfiguiring and left it open to future infections or sores. However Gillies found that when scar tissue contracted it left faces twisted and disfiguired. Gillies technique was to use tissue from somewhere else on the body that hadn't been severly damaged. The new tissue in time would then fuse with the old and would fill holes without as much damage.
Whilst these had a good survival rate with small simple injuries, Gillies was to learn that the longer the operation took, the more stress it put on the body and so chances of surviving were less. This was the case with Henry Ralph Lumley, due to war, he had sustained severe facial burns. Gillies operated on Henry but due to the length of the procedure, Henry never recovered from the operation and died in theatre due to the stress put on his body. This then led Gillies to look at the technique he used, which after some consideration, he came to the conclusion that staged skin graphs needed to be carried out instead of one large operation, to create less stress on the body. This is the treatment many burns victims have today. Without the death of Henry, Gillies wouldn't have rethought his technique and many more men may have died. However, at the birth of plastic surgery, anti-biotics hadn't been invented, therefore infection was dangerously high.
Soldiers returning from the war ended up being guinea pigs as this type of surgery had never been researched or explored properly before. If the patient survived, they still risked being mentally traumatised and nearly always saw themselves as freaks because of the surgery that had had. Unfortunately, when speaking to victims today, these thoughts were still very much there and the stigma of having plastic surgery have never really left.
Another highly used medical advance was something that a man called Lawrence Bruce Robinson played an instrumental part in persuading the amry medical corps to use at medical clearing stations. This was blood banks and the use of blood transfusions, that are today used everyday.
Lawrence performed his first transition to a soldier suffering multiple shrapnel wounds in 1915. Previously many soldiers had died due to shrapnel wounds but Lawrence was hoping to change this. The transfusion was a sucess and Lawrence was able to carry out four more sucessful transfusions in the next few months. Lawrence had the idea but he didn't have the correct equipment, that would allow these transfusions to take place along the front line. It was not until spring 1917 that such equipment was invented.
Oswald Robertson was a medical researcher, who extracted blood from punctured veins and stored them in bottles along the front. This was what Lawrence needed - to be able to select the right blood in a matter of minutes. This was the birth of blood banks and blood transfusions that could be done in any environment. More research was carried out after the war, to improve safety and success rates but Lawrence and Oswald had put the idea out there for researchers to build on in future years.
The first was plastic surgery. This is not the cosmetic type to fix a imperfection we feel we have but instead a surgery for the correction or restoration of form and function. Sir Harold Gillies from New Zealand started and developed the facial surgeries we still use today. Without Harold's tireless effort and experimenting, over 5,000 men may have died or been left severely disfiguired from their injuries. Because of his research over 5,000 had 11,000 operations conducted at the Cambridge Miliary Hospital.
Previously, facial wounds had been stitched together which left scares, disfiguiring and left it open to future infections or sores. However Gillies found that when scar tissue contracted it left faces twisted and disfiguired. Gillies technique was to use tissue from somewhere else on the body that hadn't been severly damaged. The new tissue in time would then fuse with the old and would fill holes without as much damage.
Whilst these had a good survival rate with small simple injuries, Gillies was to learn that the longer the operation took, the more stress it put on the body and so chances of surviving were less. This was the case with Henry Ralph Lumley, due to war, he had sustained severe facial burns. Gillies operated on Henry but due to the length of the procedure, Henry never recovered from the operation and died in theatre due to the stress put on his body. This then led Gillies to look at the technique he used, which after some consideration, he came to the conclusion that staged skin graphs needed to be carried out instead of one large operation, to create less stress on the body. This is the treatment many burns victims have today. Without the death of Henry, Gillies wouldn't have rethought his technique and many more men may have died. However, at the birth of plastic surgery, anti-biotics hadn't been invented, therefore infection was dangerously high.
Soldiers returning from the war ended up being guinea pigs as this type of surgery had never been researched or explored properly before. If the patient survived, they still risked being mentally traumatised and nearly always saw themselves as freaks because of the surgery that had had. Unfortunately, when speaking to victims today, these thoughts were still very much there and the stigma of having plastic surgery have never really left.
Another highly used medical advance was something that a man called Lawrence Bruce Robinson played an instrumental part in persuading the amry medical corps to use at medical clearing stations. This was blood banks and the use of blood transfusions, that are today used everyday.
Lawrence performed his first transition to a soldier suffering multiple shrapnel wounds in 1915. Previously many soldiers had died due to shrapnel wounds but Lawrence was hoping to change this. The transfusion was a sucess and Lawrence was able to carry out four more sucessful transfusions in the next few months. Lawrence had the idea but he didn't have the correct equipment, that would allow these transfusions to take place along the front line. It was not until spring 1917 that such equipment was invented.
Oswald Robertson was a medical researcher, who extracted blood from punctured veins and stored them in bottles along the front. This was what Lawrence needed - to be able to select the right blood in a matter of minutes. This was the birth of blood banks and blood transfusions that could be done in any environment. More research was carried out after the war, to improve safety and success rates but Lawrence and Oswald had put the idea out there for researchers to build on in future years.
Wednesday 15 October 2014
Tuesday 14 October 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
13th October 1914
Garrett Morgan has invented and patented a 'Gas Mask', Pro-German Boers have begun an opposition against British authority in South Africa.
Garrett Morgan has invented and patented a 'Gas Mask', Pro-German Boers have begun an opposition against British authority in South Africa.
Sunday 12 October 2014
Saturday 11 October 2014
Friday 10 October 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
10th October 1914
Antwerp have surrendered, after German troops entered by force.
Antwerp have surrendered, after German troops entered by force.
Thursday 9 October 2014
Monday 6 October 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
6th October 1914
Russian troops have fallen back along the Eastern front in Poland and Galicia.
Russian troops have fallen back along the Eastern front in Poland and Galicia.
Sunday 5 October 2014
Life AT War - Day to Day
4th October 1914
A fleet of French and English ships have bombed Turkish forts.
A fleet of French and English ships have bombed Turkish forts.
Life AT War - Day to Day
1st October 1914
The first division of Canadian troops, more then 33,000 men have set sail for Britain. Most of these are volunteers said to be anxious to prove their loyalty to the Commonwealth.
The first division of Canadian troops, more then 33,000 men have set sail for Britain. Most of these are volunteers said to be anxious to prove their loyalty to the Commonwealth.
Monday 29 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
29th September 1914
Jean Bouin the french marathoner olympic silver medalist of 1912 has died during battle.
Jean Bouin the french marathoner olympic silver medalist of 1912 has died during battle.
Sunday 28 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
28th September 1914
German forces have started bombarding the forts surrounding Antwerp in Belgium.
German forces have started bombarding the forts surrounding Antwerp in Belgium.
Saturday 27 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
27th September 1914
The Battle of Artois has begun.
This was the second offensive in the race to the sea and two further battles would be fought here before the end of the war.
The Battle of Artois has begun.
This was the second offensive in the race to the sea and two further battles would be fought here before the end of the war.
Friday 26 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
26th September 1914
The Battle of Picardy has ended with both sides moving on to attack different areas of the front line. Indian troops have arrived at Marseille. The french troops have been driven out of Peronne.
The Battle of Picardy has ended with both sides moving on to attack different areas of the front line. Indian troops have arrived at Marseille. The french troops have been driven out of Peronne.
A British Prisoner of War - The Great War
When any country declares war, you always want to believe that you will have a few battles, all with victories and then the enemy surrenders. All with no causalties on our side and completed within a couple of weeks. But unfortunately, war is brutal with losses on both sides and no amount of dreaming is going to change that.
But what happened to those brave soldiers, that when loosing a battle, either got cut off from their battalion or were not quick enough in their retreat? What was life like for them as a typical prisoner of war?
On a whole, looking back, conditions were better in the first world war than in the future second world war for prisoners, however life was still a bitter struggle. At the start of the war, nobody had really thought there would be such vast numbers of prisoners and camps had to therefore be built quickly in order to house the growing number. This meant that sanitary conditions were poor and illness and disease would end up spreading like wildfire - a problem that many prisoners would endure.
As the first soldiers were captured and made prisoner, there were no proper camps. Instead prisoners were made to sleep in tents or had to dig small holes in the ground to keep warm in. As the war progressed, school, barns and other public buildings were commandeered for use as prisoner of war camps. There were several different types of camps.
The first camp prisoners were sent to was Durchgangslager camps. These were temporary camps which housed the prisoners until they were sent to the appropriate camp. This would depend largely on your rank.
Mannschaftslager camps were basic camps the for the lower ranked prisoners. These were made up of basic wooden huts that contained little or no furniture and prisoners were expected to sleep on straw or saw-dust beds.
Officers camps had a much better conditions. These were requisitioned buildings rather than tents or wooden huts. Officers each had more personal space with proper beds. They were not required to work and were exempt from labour. Instead they spent their time playing sports, having debates and reading.
Lastly, the worst camp by far was the Reprisal camps. Prisoners were sent to these camps as a punishment, mostly if they had disobeyed orders or tried to escape. These camps were near the front line and would often be moved as the war progressed. Prisoners were exhausted by the extreme climates as well as the different terrain types. They were expected to rebuild trenches and transport dead bodies and lived on a basic watery soup. The death rate of this type of camp was unsuprisingly very high compared to the other types of camps.
Lower rank prisoners were expected to be labourers and could find themselves working on road and bridge construction, carrying out railway maintainence, mining, quarrying and working on the land. From this, prisoners would earn a small wage but would be paid in camp money to be spent in the camp shop. This ensured that prisoners wouldn't be able to used real money to bribe guards and enable them to escape.
Prisoners were able to write two letters a month. This had a limit of six pages for officers and four pages for lower ranks. This meant that prisoners often felt cut off from the rest of the world and only heard about the war from the propaganda of guards or news from newly captured prisoners.
After the war, upon returning, these prisoners had endured heavy labour, illness and starvation as well as witnessed and been victim to the brutality of their captors. Many of these men suffered with ongoing illnesses for the rest of their lives with many of them too weak to ever work again.
But what happened to those brave soldiers, that when loosing a battle, either got cut off from their battalion or were not quick enough in their retreat? What was life like for them as a typical prisoner of war?
On a whole, looking back, conditions were better in the first world war than in the future second world war for prisoners, however life was still a bitter struggle. At the start of the war, nobody had really thought there would be such vast numbers of prisoners and camps had to therefore be built quickly in order to house the growing number. This meant that sanitary conditions were poor and illness and disease would end up spreading like wildfire - a problem that many prisoners would endure.
As the first soldiers were captured and made prisoner, there were no proper camps. Instead prisoners were made to sleep in tents or had to dig small holes in the ground to keep warm in. As the war progressed, school, barns and other public buildings were commandeered for use as prisoner of war camps. There were several different types of camps.
The first camp prisoners were sent to was Durchgangslager camps. These were temporary camps which housed the prisoners until they were sent to the appropriate camp. This would depend largely on your rank.
Mannschaftslager camps were basic camps the for the lower ranked prisoners. These were made up of basic wooden huts that contained little or no furniture and prisoners were expected to sleep on straw or saw-dust beds.
Officers camps had a much better conditions. These were requisitioned buildings rather than tents or wooden huts. Officers each had more personal space with proper beds. They were not required to work and were exempt from labour. Instead they spent their time playing sports, having debates and reading.
Lastly, the worst camp by far was the Reprisal camps. Prisoners were sent to these camps as a punishment, mostly if they had disobeyed orders or tried to escape. These camps were near the front line and would often be moved as the war progressed. Prisoners were exhausted by the extreme climates as well as the different terrain types. They were expected to rebuild trenches and transport dead bodies and lived on a basic watery soup. The death rate of this type of camp was unsuprisingly very high compared to the other types of camps.
Lower rank prisoners were expected to be labourers and could find themselves working on road and bridge construction, carrying out railway maintainence, mining, quarrying and working on the land. From this, prisoners would earn a small wage but would be paid in camp money to be spent in the camp shop. This ensured that prisoners wouldn't be able to used real money to bribe guards and enable them to escape.
Prisoners were able to write two letters a month. This had a limit of six pages for officers and four pages for lower ranks. This meant that prisoners often felt cut off from the rest of the world and only heard about the war from the propaganda of guards or news from newly captured prisoners.
After the war, upon returning, these prisoners had endured heavy labour, illness and starvation as well as witnessed and been victim to the brutality of their captors. Many of these men suffered with ongoing illnesses for the rest of their lives with many of them too weak to ever work again.
Wednesday 24 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
24th September 1914
Russian troops have besieged the fortress town of Pzemysl and have carried on through the Carpathians, aiming to invade northern Hungary.
Russian troops have besieged the fortress town of Pzemysl and have carried on through the Carpathians, aiming to invade northern Hungary.
Monday 22 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
22nd September 1914
The Battle of Picardy has bugun.
This particular battle was one to see who could reach the sea first. This would enable supplies and troops to get through more quickly and so rearming would be made easier.
The Battle of Picardy has bugun.
This particular battle was one to see who could reach the sea first. This would enable supplies and troops to get through more quickly and so rearming would be made easier.
Life AT War - Day by Day
22nd September 1914
A German submarine has sunk three British Ironclads.
Ironclads, the latest in technology of warships was a steam powered warship covered in iron or steel armour plates. The sinking of these three ships left 1,459 dead.
A German submarine has sunk three British Ironclads.
Ironclads, the latest in technology of warships was a steam powered warship covered in iron or steel armour plates. The sinking of these three ships left 1,459 dead.
Saturday 20 September 2014
Trench Life - Through A Poets Eyes
In 1915, at the age of 22, a man that would be remembered in history, enlisted in the British Army. His name ... Wilfred Owen.
For two tiresome years, he fought battle after battle until in 1917 he was sent home for treatment after suffering from shell-shock. He underwent the most modern and advanced treatment in mental health at the Craiglockhart hospital. Here he met fellow patient and poet Siegfried Sassoon. During their stay at the hospital they became good friends with Siegfried guiding Wilfred and encouraging him to put his experiences of war into poetry.
After his treatment finished, Wilfred returned to war. In October 1918, he was one of many brave soldiers that took part in the breaking of the Hindenburg Line and was awarded the Military Cross. Unfortunately just one month later on the 4th November 1918, just a couple of weeks before the end of the war, Wilfred was killed in the battle to cross the Sambre-Oise canal at Ors...
On the 11th November 1918 shortly before 11am, the Owen family opened their door to the devastating news that their beloved son had been killed in battle and would not be returning home. Whilst the family stood still in shock, in the background and all across the country, church bells were ringing and people were celebrating the end of the war.
For Wilfred it was to late but his memory still lived on through his poetry, where even today we still turn to for clues about the Great War. Without the support of Siegfried, Wilfred would not have found the passion and true talent to write these poems. Of Wilfreds poems there is one that for me sums trench life up and the poignant words used lingers in the air. No explanations or exploring are needed, it has been written without hidden meaning, to tell the real story of war. I therefore end this post with the very moving Dulce Et Decorum Est...
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs,
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,
But limped on, bloodshod. All went lame, all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots,
Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.
GAS! GAS! Quick, Boys! - An ecstasy of fumbling fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning
If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin
If you could hear, at every jolt,
The blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend,
You would not tell with such high zest,
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
To old lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro Patria Mori
For two tiresome years, he fought battle after battle until in 1917 he was sent home for treatment after suffering from shell-shock. He underwent the most modern and advanced treatment in mental health at the Craiglockhart hospital. Here he met fellow patient and poet Siegfried Sassoon. During their stay at the hospital they became good friends with Siegfried guiding Wilfred and encouraging him to put his experiences of war into poetry.
After his treatment finished, Wilfred returned to war. In October 1918, he was one of many brave soldiers that took part in the breaking of the Hindenburg Line and was awarded the Military Cross. Unfortunately just one month later on the 4th November 1918, just a couple of weeks before the end of the war, Wilfred was killed in the battle to cross the Sambre-Oise canal at Ors...
On the 11th November 1918 shortly before 11am, the Owen family opened their door to the devastating news that their beloved son had been killed in battle and would not be returning home. Whilst the family stood still in shock, in the background and all across the country, church bells were ringing and people were celebrating the end of the war.
For Wilfred it was to late but his memory still lived on through his poetry, where even today we still turn to for clues about the Great War. Without the support of Siegfried, Wilfred would not have found the passion and true talent to write these poems. Of Wilfreds poems there is one that for me sums trench life up and the poignant words used lingers in the air. No explanations or exploring are needed, it has been written without hidden meaning, to tell the real story of war. I therefore end this post with the very moving Dulce Et Decorum Est...
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs,
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,
But limped on, bloodshod. All went lame, all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots,
Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.
GAS! GAS! Quick, Boys! - An ecstasy of fumbling fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning
If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin
If you could hear, at every jolt,
The blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend,
You would not tell with such high zest,
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
To old lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro Patria Mori
Life AT War - Day by Day
20th September 1914
John Redmond has urged Irish volunteers to enlist in the British Army.
John Redmond has urged Irish volunteers to enlist in the British Army.
Thursday 18 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
18th September 1914
The Battle of Aisne has ended with German victory, General Paul Von Hindenburg has been named as commander of German armies on the Eastern front, South African troops have landed in German occupied South West Africa.
The Battle of Aisne has ended with German victory, General Paul Von Hindenburg has been named as commander of German armies on the Eastern front, South African troops have landed in German occupied South West Africa.
Monday 15 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
15th September 1914
The Battle of Aisne has begun between German and French troops.
The Battle of Aisne has begun between German and French troops.
Sunday 14 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
14th September 1914
German Staff of Chief Helmut Von Moltke has been replaced by Erich Von Falkenhayn, German troops have withdrawn from Aisne/invent trenches.
German Staff of Chief Helmut Von Moltke has been replaced by Erich Von Falkenhayn, German troops have withdrawn from Aisne/invent trenches.
Friday 12 September 2014
The Daily Life Of A World War 1 Soldier - The Trenches
At the outbreak of World War one, the term "it will be over by Christmas" was a widely popular and believed term. However unbeknown to the people, not just in Britain but around the world, this war was going to be a new type of war, a total war.
As well as new weapons being used and laws dictating what news could be sent home, a new trench life would exist. These trenches were to become the home of thousands of men for up to four years. For many men, with an average age of just nineteen, would meet their end in the trenches and have never left since. But what was life really like on a daily basis for these brave men?
Trench life has always been referred to as life at the front, however, there was a set of three different trenches used during the first world war and men rotated through these continuously. They were the Front Line, The Support Line and the Reserve Line. Soldiers may have also found that they might have been able to have a period of "rest" in a nearby town or village, from which they could be recalled at any moment.
Everyday was more or less the same routine regardless of the amount of enermy bombardment receieved. The day began with a "Stand-To-Arms", whereby just before dawn soldiers would be awaken by their commanding officer and made to climb onto their firestep to guard against enermy raids. Then these soldiers would be expected to fire in front of them, known commonly as the "morning hate", to ensure the trenches safety at dawn.
Soldiers would then need to spend time cleaning their rifle afterwhich breakfast would be served. The soldiers could also have a morning shave or wash if there was any water left over.
The company commander would then inspect his men and assign duties for the day to each man. These may include repairing duckboards and barbed wire, refilling sandbags, rebuilding trenches after explosions and draining trenches using pumping equipment.
At dusk, the "Stand-To-Arms" would be repeated afterwhich supplies and maintainence duties would be performed such as fetching rations and water, patrolling no mans land and sentry duty. Soldiers would then take it in turns throughout the night to perform sentry duty.
Soldiers may also have got a small amount of leisure time, of which timing and length of would change according to events happening that day. During this time soldiers could play cards, read and write letters. However leisure time could be cut or banned without notice if there was enemy threat or danger.
The daily trench life was a battle for many soldiers who had to live in apalling conditions. Unlike conflicts today, there were no proper field kitchens and most soldiers lived on stale crackers, unappetizing salted meat and weak tea which looked more like dirty water.
Soldiers were also to endure lice, rats feeding on flesh and leftovers, slugs, frogs carrying diseases and other vermin. There was also a horrible smell associated to trench life that was a mixture of rotting flesh, overflowing toilets, unwashed body odour, cigarette smoke, cordite and creasol, used to try to stop the spread of infection. Many soldiers later described a smell of dying and death.
Trenches were blistering hot in summer with the sun constantly bearing down on the soldiers. On the other hand, in winter it was bitterly cold with many soldiers having "trench-foot" due to the low lying trenches. Soldiers would more often than not find themselves knee deep in water, mixed with slimey mud, that could make the easiest of daily tasks difficult and dangerous.
These brave men lived their lives in constant fear of being attacked and could never even stand up straight in the trenches for fear of being spotted by the enemy and shot.
These are just some of the struggles of daily life within the trenches. Added to this, there was the enemy fire, battles and even advancing or retreating. No wonder the returning soldiers came home, scared of their own shadow and unable to adjust back to civilian life. Not including the horrors they had witnessed, they had been made to live in a way in which today we wouldn't even allow animals to live in, with no chance of luxury, rest or security and no idea of when things would improve. This was felt by all nations and soldiers from all over the world spent up to four years living in these conditions. These men are the true heroes who we owe so much to. It is just unfortunate that it is too late to say a proper thank you for all that these brave men endured for the freedom we have today.
As well as new weapons being used and laws dictating what news could be sent home, a new trench life would exist. These trenches were to become the home of thousands of men for up to four years. For many men, with an average age of just nineteen, would meet their end in the trenches and have never left since. But what was life really like on a daily basis for these brave men?
Trench life has always been referred to as life at the front, however, there was a set of three different trenches used during the first world war and men rotated through these continuously. They were the Front Line, The Support Line and the Reserve Line. Soldiers may have also found that they might have been able to have a period of "rest" in a nearby town or village, from which they could be recalled at any moment.
Everyday was more or less the same routine regardless of the amount of enermy bombardment receieved. The day began with a "Stand-To-Arms", whereby just before dawn soldiers would be awaken by their commanding officer and made to climb onto their firestep to guard against enermy raids. Then these soldiers would be expected to fire in front of them, known commonly as the "morning hate", to ensure the trenches safety at dawn.
Soldiers would then need to spend time cleaning their rifle afterwhich breakfast would be served. The soldiers could also have a morning shave or wash if there was any water left over.
The company commander would then inspect his men and assign duties for the day to each man. These may include repairing duckboards and barbed wire, refilling sandbags, rebuilding trenches after explosions and draining trenches using pumping equipment.
At dusk, the "Stand-To-Arms" would be repeated afterwhich supplies and maintainence duties would be performed such as fetching rations and water, patrolling no mans land and sentry duty. Soldiers would then take it in turns throughout the night to perform sentry duty.
Soldiers may also have got a small amount of leisure time, of which timing and length of would change according to events happening that day. During this time soldiers could play cards, read and write letters. However leisure time could be cut or banned without notice if there was enemy threat or danger.
The daily trench life was a battle for many soldiers who had to live in apalling conditions. Unlike conflicts today, there were no proper field kitchens and most soldiers lived on stale crackers, unappetizing salted meat and weak tea which looked more like dirty water.
Soldiers were also to endure lice, rats feeding on flesh and leftovers, slugs, frogs carrying diseases and other vermin. There was also a horrible smell associated to trench life that was a mixture of rotting flesh, overflowing toilets, unwashed body odour, cigarette smoke, cordite and creasol, used to try to stop the spread of infection. Many soldiers later described a smell of dying and death.
Trenches were blistering hot in summer with the sun constantly bearing down on the soldiers. On the other hand, in winter it was bitterly cold with many soldiers having "trench-foot" due to the low lying trenches. Soldiers would more often than not find themselves knee deep in water, mixed with slimey mud, that could make the easiest of daily tasks difficult and dangerous.
These brave men lived their lives in constant fear of being attacked and could never even stand up straight in the trenches for fear of being spotted by the enemy and shot.
These are just some of the struggles of daily life within the trenches. Added to this, there was the enemy fire, battles and even advancing or retreating. No wonder the returning soldiers came home, scared of their own shadow and unable to adjust back to civilian life. Not including the horrors they had witnessed, they had been made to live in a way in which today we wouldn't even allow animals to live in, with no chance of luxury, rest or security and no idea of when things would improve. This was felt by all nations and soldiers from all over the world spent up to four years living in these conditions. These men are the true heroes who we owe so much to. It is just unfortunate that it is too late to say a proper thank you for all that these brave men endured for the freedom we have today.
Thursday 11 September 2014
Life AT War - Day to Day
11th September 1914
Australia has invaded New Britain, defeating German contingent there.
Australia has invaded New Britain, defeating German contingent there.
Tuesday 9 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
9th September 1914
The creation of the Canadian Automobile Machine Gun Brigade has become the first fully mechanized unit in the British Army.
The creation of the Canadian Automobile Machine Gun Brigade has become the first fully mechanized unit in the British Army.
Monday 8 September 2014
Life AT War - Day to Day
8th September 1914
HMS Oceanic has sunk of the coast of Scotland, Private Thomas Highgate has become the first British soldier to be executed for desertion.
HMS Oceanic was not torpedoed or bombed but met its end by running aground whilst patrolling Scottish waters.
HMS Oceanic has sunk of the coast of Scotland, Private Thomas Highgate has become the first British soldier to be executed for desertion.
HMS Oceanic was not torpedoed or bombed but met its end by running aground whilst patrolling Scottish waters.
Friday 5 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
5th September 1914
British forces have prevented german troops from advancing into Paris, the french headquaters have moved to Chatillon-sur-seine, US president Wilson has ordered the US Navy to make its wireless stations accessible for any transatlantic communications.
British forces have prevented german troops from advancing into Paris, the french headquaters have moved to Chatillon-sur-seine, US president Wilson has ordered the US Navy to make its wireless stations accessible for any transatlantic communications.
Life AT War - Mental Health
Craiglockhart hospital originally started in 1877 as a hydropathic institute. However, with the outbreak of World War 1, it was to be used as a military hospital specialising in phychiatric care for the treatment of shell-shocked officers. As the war progressed this was to be just one of many hospitals treating patients with shell-shock and remained doing so until 1919.
The man that started the change in opinion of metal health was William Rivers. He did not agree with the army's use of a stiff upper lip and instead believed that talking about traumas witnessed was the best course of treatment for his patience. Both poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen received treatment from William and in later wrote about their experiences.
Willaim taught soldiers to talk about their experiences and the horrors they had faced. Quite rightly, he saw Shell-Shock as an illness that needed specialist care, unlike the army who thought Shell-Shock was a form of Cowardice, punishable by death. The army thought Shell-Shock was nothing but a lack of moral fibre and sent many soldiers to be court marshalled.
Nearly all soldiers that fought during World War 1 would have suffered some form of Shell-Shock, even if it went on undiagnosed. The constant bombardment and fighting left soldiers scared and jumpy. They had the inability to reason, sleep, walk or even talk and many sufferers were reported to have a thousand yard stare - the blank unfocused gaze of a battle-weary soldier.
In the years that followed the term Shell-Shock was replaced by the term many of us use today as Combat Stress Reaction. The investigations into its causes have meant that it is now a form of stress on the brain rather that a "shock" that you will quickly recover from.
Symptoms reported during World War 1 included headaches, dizziness, a constant tremor, tinnitus and a hypersensitivity to noises. All the these were common-place for someone suffering from a head injury but with no physical injury to be seen, the army refused to listen.
By 1917, the term of Shell-Shock was banned as an illness by the British army and reports were even band from being written in medical journals. Someone suffering from the above symptoms would simply be given a few days of to rest before being sent straight back to the front to re-join the fighting.
When these soldiers returned home, they were different, changed somehow. Many wives and children who had been looking forward to their husbands and fathers coming home, found themselves scared an confused. War Correspondent Philip Gibbs was able to correctly explain what many peoples lives were like,
"Something was wrong. They put on civilian clothes again and looked to their mothers and wives very much like the young men who had gone to business in the peaceful days before August 1914. But they had not come back the same men. Something had altered in them. They were subject to sudden moods, and queer tempers, fits of profound depression alternating with a restless desire for pleasure. Many were easily moved to passion where they lost control of themselves, many were bitter in their speech, violent in opinion, frightening".
This led to many families lives being changed forever, for generations. Children became witness or victims of domestic violence and many wives were raped by their husbands as they lost control. The signs were there - women who walked around sporting a black eye or cut, where they had "walked into a door". Children became skinner and pale, afraid of adults. Some deaths even occurred, although these were more than often covered up.
All of this effected the children the most I believe as many mothers told them not to mention anything. They learnt to bottle everything up inside them, which then changed them as a person and changed how they reacted when they had their own families. Violence at home was accepted by many as the norm.
It is only really in the last fifteen to twenty years that mental attitudes to this has changed and that people, today, can be moved temporary from harms way, until the person in question has received individual treatment and care.
Today, after thousands of investigations and case-studies, we now have to main branches of what was known as Shell-Shock. There is Combat Stress Reaction and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The list of possible symptoms include the slowing of reaction time, slowness of thought, difficulty prioritising tasks, exhaustion, indecision and lack of concentration.
It also affects the nervous system. Some of the symptoms include the inability to relax, shaking and tremors, sweating, incontinence, nightmares and flashbacks, a heightened sense of threat and the mistrust of others.
A more detailed knowledge has meant that it is easier to see if someone is suffering from this illness, so that they can receive help in order to get better. It is no longer an illness from which it suffer with for the rest of your life, but instead an illness which is treatable in time.
Charities have been set up to help detect and diagnose early signs as well as help soldiers and their families adjust to civilian life together. It has opened the pathway for the future of mental help, so that now anybody who needs to can receive treatment for mental health illnesses. Over the last ten years, the issues surrounding mental health have been discussed more and more, proving that it is now okay to talk about it and ask for help, proving that a stiff upper lip isn't needed.
This wouldn't have been made possible if it wasn't for William Rivers and his dedicated staff at Craiglockhart hospital getting soldiers to talk about their experiences one hundred years ago.
For more information on mental health and to find out how you can help visit:
Mind - www.mind.org.uk
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - www.ptsd.org.uk
The man that started the change in opinion of metal health was William Rivers. He did not agree with the army's use of a stiff upper lip and instead believed that talking about traumas witnessed was the best course of treatment for his patience. Both poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen received treatment from William and in later wrote about their experiences.
Willaim taught soldiers to talk about their experiences and the horrors they had faced. Quite rightly, he saw Shell-Shock as an illness that needed specialist care, unlike the army who thought Shell-Shock was a form of Cowardice, punishable by death. The army thought Shell-Shock was nothing but a lack of moral fibre and sent many soldiers to be court marshalled.
Nearly all soldiers that fought during World War 1 would have suffered some form of Shell-Shock, even if it went on undiagnosed. The constant bombardment and fighting left soldiers scared and jumpy. They had the inability to reason, sleep, walk or even talk and many sufferers were reported to have a thousand yard stare - the blank unfocused gaze of a battle-weary soldier.
In the years that followed the term Shell-Shock was replaced by the term many of us use today as Combat Stress Reaction. The investigations into its causes have meant that it is now a form of stress on the brain rather that a "shock" that you will quickly recover from.
Symptoms reported during World War 1 included headaches, dizziness, a constant tremor, tinnitus and a hypersensitivity to noises. All the these were common-place for someone suffering from a head injury but with no physical injury to be seen, the army refused to listen.
By 1917, the term of Shell-Shock was banned as an illness by the British army and reports were even band from being written in medical journals. Someone suffering from the above symptoms would simply be given a few days of to rest before being sent straight back to the front to re-join the fighting.
When these soldiers returned home, they were different, changed somehow. Many wives and children who had been looking forward to their husbands and fathers coming home, found themselves scared an confused. War Correspondent Philip Gibbs was able to correctly explain what many peoples lives were like,
"Something was wrong. They put on civilian clothes again and looked to their mothers and wives very much like the young men who had gone to business in the peaceful days before August 1914. But they had not come back the same men. Something had altered in them. They were subject to sudden moods, and queer tempers, fits of profound depression alternating with a restless desire for pleasure. Many were easily moved to passion where they lost control of themselves, many were bitter in their speech, violent in opinion, frightening".
This led to many families lives being changed forever, for generations. Children became witness or victims of domestic violence and many wives were raped by their husbands as they lost control. The signs were there - women who walked around sporting a black eye or cut, where they had "walked into a door". Children became skinner and pale, afraid of adults. Some deaths even occurred, although these were more than often covered up.
All of this effected the children the most I believe as many mothers told them not to mention anything. They learnt to bottle everything up inside them, which then changed them as a person and changed how they reacted when they had their own families. Violence at home was accepted by many as the norm.
It is only really in the last fifteen to twenty years that mental attitudes to this has changed and that people, today, can be moved temporary from harms way, until the person in question has received individual treatment and care.
Today, after thousands of investigations and case-studies, we now have to main branches of what was known as Shell-Shock. There is Combat Stress Reaction and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The list of possible symptoms include the slowing of reaction time, slowness of thought, difficulty prioritising tasks, exhaustion, indecision and lack of concentration.
It also affects the nervous system. Some of the symptoms include the inability to relax, shaking and tremors, sweating, incontinence, nightmares and flashbacks, a heightened sense of threat and the mistrust of others.
A more detailed knowledge has meant that it is easier to see if someone is suffering from this illness, so that they can receive help in order to get better. It is no longer an illness from which it suffer with for the rest of your life, but instead an illness which is treatable in time.
Charities have been set up to help detect and diagnose early signs as well as help soldiers and their families adjust to civilian life together. It has opened the pathway for the future of mental help, so that now anybody who needs to can receive treatment for mental health illnesses. Over the last ten years, the issues surrounding mental health have been discussed more and more, proving that it is now okay to talk about it and ask for help, proving that a stiff upper lip isn't needed.
This wouldn't have been made possible if it wasn't for William Rivers and his dedicated staff at Craiglockhart hospital getting soldiers to talk about their experiences one hundred years ago.
For more information on mental health and to find out how you can help visit:
Mind - www.mind.org.uk
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - www.ptsd.org.uk
Thursday 4 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
4th September 1914
France, Russia & Britain have agreed in a Pact of London that none will make separate peace with the enemy, General Von Moltke ceases german advance in France.
France, Russia & Britain have agreed in a Pact of London that none will make separate peace with the enemy, General Von Moltke ceases german advance in France.
Wednesday 3 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
3rd September 1914
The British expeditionary army & French General Lanrezacs army has attacked the Marne where french troops have vacated to Reims. Capital of Galicia is taken after a three day battle in which Russian troops have forced a disorderly retreat of Austrain troops.
The British expeditionary army & French General Lanrezacs army has attacked the Marne where french troops have vacated to Reims. Capital of Galicia is taken after a three day battle in which Russian troops have forced a disorderly retreat of Austrain troops.
Tuesday 2 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
2nd September 1914
General Von Hausen & the Countess of France have fleed to Bordeaux.The Treasury Department of the United States Congress has set up the Bureau of War Risk insurance.
General Von Hausen & the Countess of France have fleed to Bordeaux.The Treasury Department of the United States Congress has set up the Bureau of War Risk insurance.
Monday 1 September 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
1st September 1914
Lord Kitchener has arrived in Paris, St Petersburg in Russia has changed its name to Petrograd.
Russia felt the need to change the name of the city as it included the German words Sankt and burg.
Lord Kitchener has arrived in Paris, St Petersburg in Russia has changed its name to Petrograd.
Russia felt the need to change the name of the city as it included the German words Sankt and burg.
Sunday 31 August 2014
Life AT War - Day by Day
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.
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.
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.
Sunday 27 July 2014
Life AT War - 100 Years On
2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of one of Britain's bloodiest Wars - The Great War. In the next series of posts I will be looking out how World War 1 changes the lives of everyone past and present to create the world we live in today.
More and more children are growing up not knowing about the courage and bravery of the people of Great Britain one hundred years ago. Many schools have barely touched on this live changing period and as adults many do not understand the sacrifice made. A few years ago at an air show, I was listening to a talk given about World War 1. The speaker asked the audience when he said World war 1 what sprung to mind. The answer... of poppies and trenches. Nothing else.
It has only been since the release of the war horse film that people have really started to find an interest in what happened. Why does it have to be one hundred years after the event for there to be programmes exploring what really happened and what life was like. Why is it that now all schools are teaching again about World War 1. Now that the last remaining heroes have re-joined their comrades the subject is being explored again...
So join me as I explore World War 1 - Life AT War
More and more children are growing up not knowing about the courage and bravery of the people of Great Britain one hundred years ago. Many schools have barely touched on this live changing period and as adults many do not understand the sacrifice made. A few years ago at an air show, I was listening to a talk given about World War 1. The speaker asked the audience when he said World war 1 what sprung to mind. The answer... of poppies and trenches. Nothing else.
It has only been since the release of the war horse film that people have really started to find an interest in what happened. Why does it have to be one hundred years after the event for there to be programmes exploring what really happened and what life was like. Why is it that now all schools are teaching again about World War 1. Now that the last remaining heroes have re-joined their comrades the subject is being explored again...
So join me as I explore World War 1 - Life AT War
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