Okay, so you may have realised that there hasn't been any updates on this blog for a while and the weapons & the first world war series suddenly came to an end. This was due to a suddenly very busy period in my life and I felt unable to spend the time needed to continue with the blog, so I took a break, just until I felt I could resume writing. I am now at the point that I feel I can start again, but of course, I am now very behind on my schedule. For those of you that don't know, I have all of my posts already scheduled in right up until Christmas so I have a lot of making up to do. Therefore I have decided to change the format of the current series slightly, whereby, on some posts there will be numerous weapons discussed, in order to try to catch up. There may also be the extra added post during the week so make sure you are following the blog to be notified when this happens.
Enough from me, on to today's post...
So today we are talking about machine guns and in particular two of them. The first is the Hotchkiss machine gun, which was invented by Benjamin Hotchkiss. It was gas operated as well as being naturally air cooled, which consisted of five circular rings inside the gun barrel, that design of which helped prevent overheating. It could fire 8mm Lebel ammunition, with a firing rate of 450 rounders per minute. The Hotchkiss machine gun had a maximum firing range of 3800m and weighed in at 100 pounds, meaning that it wasn't a popular thing to have to move far.
The Hotchkiss machine gun was first widely used by the French infantry in the later part of 1917, but was then also used by the American Expeditionary Force during the years of 1917 & 1918, when they arrived on the Western Front.
Moving on to the second machine gun and that is the Lewis gun. It was developed in America just before the outbreak of the first world war and was designed to be much lighter than any other guns in production at that time, weighing in at just 12KG. When war broke out in 1914, the Lewis gun was mainly used fitted onto armoured cars which could then be fired at German patrols. By 1915, it had been modified to be used both on land and in the air and was also bought in huge numbers by the British Army as their main infantry gun. The Mark IV tanks also carried the Lewis gun as their main weapon.
The Lewis gun was gas operated but the same as the Hotchkiss gun and also had a natural cooling process in the form of the aluminium barrel-shroud drawing in air and thus aiding the cooling process. It could fire at a rate of 500-600 rounds a minute and due to it being so lightweight, could be transported by just one soldier, freeing up men for other duties.
As you can see there were similarities between both guns. Make sure you check back next week to see what we are talking about next in our Weapons & The First World War series.
Showing posts with label 1915. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1915. Show all posts
Sunday, 7 May 2017
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Christmas 1915
By December 1915, the realisation that the war was going to drag on for a long time yet started to hit home. As with today, people's thoughts turned towards Christmas and what they needed to buy. However, in wartime Britain this was easier said than done. Today we are used to an array of beautiful presents with something for every price range, yet in 1915, less and less could be found in the shops. Women were encouraged to only buy presents which was useful and those that could were encouraged to do without, in order to said the soldier's on the front line what they could. Useful gifts for the soldiers included items such as warm gloves, safety razors & cigarettes.
It was not only those on the home front whose thoughts turned to their loved ones at Christmas, for soldier's were also thinking of what to buy. The most popular item that was purchased was handmade cards from local villages near to the front line. These are more commonly known as world war one silks. They are so beautifully crafted and many came with their own personal message inside. For those of you who haven't been lucky enough to see one in the flesh, all I can say is the detail captured in these cards are truly amazing.
On the home front and the front line, people were remembering the Christmas Truce of the previous year. So were those of higher power who strongly discouraged any repeat of such an event. Soldier's were threatened that if they were caught to be in friendly company of the enemy, they would be court marshalled and the punishment would be severe. This meant that for the soldier's on the front line, it was a relatively quiet affair. With many of the soldier's fighting in Gallipoli throughout December, soldier's were battling with the bitter temperatures and fallen snow. Due to this, many soldier's in the area were suffering from frostbite and so not really in the Christmas mood.
It wasn't just the army that were strict around Christmas, for the navy was too. Christmas Day for sailor's was highly regimented. For example, whether religious or not a sailor was first expected to attend a religious service. After the service, they would then go to the mess, where food adorned the tables as far as they eye could see. The ships Captain and officers would then sit at each of the tables and sample the food on offer. Only then would they have any free time, but they were always on high alert.
Britain had seen some of its bloodiest battles in the war so far, and with this came a vast amount of injured soldier's, many of whom were to spend Christmas in hospital. To cheer their patients up, many of whom were suffering from horrific and life-changing injuries, nurses set about decorating the wards and organising entertainment such as concerts.
For all of these people and many others, Christmas was celebrated in different ways. Yet they all had something in common and that was the hope that the war would be over soon, so that no more suffering came of the people of Britain. Unfortunately, this hope would not happen for another three years and there would be many who would never see the end of the war. So this Christmas take a moment to think of those people as well as those serving around the world today, of the sacrifices they paid and are still paying to keep us all safe.
Lastly, I would just like to take this moment to thank you for your support and for reading my blog throughout the year. I would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy new year.
It was not only those on the home front whose thoughts turned to their loved ones at Christmas, for soldier's were also thinking of what to buy. The most popular item that was purchased was handmade cards from local villages near to the front line. These are more commonly known as world war one silks. They are so beautifully crafted and many came with their own personal message inside. For those of you who haven't been lucky enough to see one in the flesh, all I can say is the detail captured in these cards are truly amazing.
On the home front and the front line, people were remembering the Christmas Truce of the previous year. So were those of higher power who strongly discouraged any repeat of such an event. Soldier's were threatened that if they were caught to be in friendly company of the enemy, they would be court marshalled and the punishment would be severe. This meant that for the soldier's on the front line, it was a relatively quiet affair. With many of the soldier's fighting in Gallipoli throughout December, soldier's were battling with the bitter temperatures and fallen snow. Due to this, many soldier's in the area were suffering from frostbite and so not really in the Christmas mood.
It wasn't just the army that were strict around Christmas, for the navy was too. Christmas Day for sailor's was highly regimented. For example, whether religious or not a sailor was first expected to attend a religious service. After the service, they would then go to the mess, where food adorned the tables as far as they eye could see. The ships Captain and officers would then sit at each of the tables and sample the food on offer. Only then would they have any free time, but they were always on high alert.
Britain had seen some of its bloodiest battles in the war so far, and with this came a vast amount of injured soldier's, many of whom were to spend Christmas in hospital. To cheer their patients up, many of whom were suffering from horrific and life-changing injuries, nurses set about decorating the wards and organising entertainment such as concerts.
For all of these people and many others, Christmas was celebrated in different ways. Yet they all had something in common and that was the hope that the war would be over soon, so that no more suffering came of the people of Britain. Unfortunately, this hope would not happen for another three years and there would be many who would never see the end of the war. So this Christmas take a moment to think of those people as well as those serving around the world today, of the sacrifices they paid and are still paying to keep us all safe.
Lastly, I would just like to take this moment to thank you for your support and for reading my blog throughout the year. I would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy new year.
Friday, 26 June 2015
Life AT War - Day By Day - May 1915
On the 13th May 1915, the US Secretary of State Bryan sent a note to Germany, demanding that German admits and apologises for the attacking and sinking of the Lusitania and insists that Germany should make immediate reparations. Later Bryan was to say that the note was originally only sent to "pacify excited public opinion".
On the 23rd May 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary.
On the 24th May 1915, a man called Thomas Edison invented new technology, still used today, that enabled us to record telephone conversations.
On the 25th May 1915, the second battle of Ypres ended with over 105,000 casualties.
On the 23rd May 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary.
On the 24th May 1915, a man called Thomas Edison invented new technology, still used today, that enabled us to record telephone conversations.
On the 25th May 1915, the second battle of Ypres ended with over 105,000 casualties.
Sunday, 26 April 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
26th April 1915
Italy has secretly signed the Pact Of London with Britain, France & Russia.
Italy has secretly signed the Pact Of London with Britain, France & Russia.
Saturday, 25 April 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
25th April 1915
The first landings at Gaba Tepe and Cape Helles on the Gallipoli Peninsula have taken place.
The first landings at Gaba Tepe and Cape Helles on the Gallipoli Peninsula have taken place.
Friday, 24 April 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
24th April 1915
It has been reported that the German army has been firing Chloroform gas in Ieper.
A large massacre of Armenian people by Turkish soldiers has begun.
The large massacre that took place would later be called Armenian Martyrs Day.
It has been reported that the German army has been firing Chloroform gas in Ieper.
A large massacre of Armenian people by Turkish soldiers has begun.
The large massacre that took place would later be called Armenian Martyrs Day.
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
Life At War - Day by Day
22nd April 1915
German has a new war tactic - using Chlorine Gas, a poisonous substance, on enemy trenches.
The second Battle of Ypres has begun on the Western Front.
The German use of poison gas would have catastrophic consequences and would kill or injure thousands of men before the end of the war. Some soldiers, once back at home after the war, were a shadow of their former self, some unable to see or breathe properly and many bedridden.
German has a new war tactic - using Chlorine Gas, a poisonous substance, on enemy trenches.
The second Battle of Ypres has begun on the Western Front.
The German use of poison gas would have catastrophic consequences and would kill or injure thousands of men before the end of the war. Some soldiers, once back at home after the war, were a shadow of their former self, some unable to see or breathe properly and many bedridden.
Monday, 20 April 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
20th April 1915
The Armenian soldiers have risen and seized the Turkish town of Van.
These soldiers were to hold the town until Russian re-inforcements arrived. These did not arrive until a month later on the 19th May, by which time, thousands of Armenian's had been killed or injured.
The Armenian soldiers have risen and seized the Turkish town of Van.
These soldiers were to hold the town until Russian re-inforcements arrived. These did not arrive until a month later on the 19th May, by which time, thousands of Armenian's had been killed or injured.
Saturday, 18 April 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
18th April 1915
The French pilot Roland Garros has reportly been shot down. He was last seen gliding to land on the German side of the front line.
The French pilot Roland Garros has reportly been shot down. He was last seen gliding to land on the German side of the front line.
Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
14th April 1915
The Dutch merchant navy have reported that their ship Katwijk has been sunk by a German torpedo. Turkish forces have invaded Armenia.
The Dutch merchant navy have reported that their ship Katwijk has been sunk by a German torpedo. Turkish forces have invaded Armenia.
Sunday, 5 April 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
5th April 1915
The French military have begun an offensive to be known as the Woevre offensive.
The French military have begun an offensive to be known as the Woevre offensive.
Saturday, 4 April 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
4th April 1915
Germany has been protesting vigorously to the US after claiming it must insist that Britain lifts its blockade and assert German neutrality.
Germany has been protesting vigorously to the US after claiming it must insist that Britain lifts its blockade and assert German neutrality.
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Life At War - Day by Day
25th March 1915
A US F-4 submarine has sunk off of the coast of Hawaii, killing 21 men. A German U-Boat has torpedoed the merchant ship Medea, casualties unknown at this time.
A US F-4 submarine has sunk off of the coast of Hawaii, killing 21 men. A German U-Boat has torpedoed the merchant ship Medea, casualties unknown at this time.
Monday, 23 March 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
23rd March 1915
Around 700 Jewish men have formed a fighting force to be known under the name Zion Mule Corp. They will be under the British Armies Rule and will help fight where ever it is needed.
Around 700 Jewish men have formed a fighting force to be known under the name Zion Mule Corp. They will be under the British Armies Rule and will help fight where ever it is needed.
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
18th March 1915
A British attack in Dardanelles has failed.
The French battleship Bouvet has exploded, killing 640 people.
A British attack in Dardanelles has failed.
The French battleship Bouvet has exploded, killing 640 people.
Sunday, 8 March 2015
Life AT War - Day by Day
8th March 1915
United States of America's first navy minelayer Baltimore has been commissioned.
United States of America's first navy minelayer Baltimore has been commissioned.
Friday, 9 January 2015
It will be over by Christmas... The reality sets in
At the outbreak of war, many people thought it would be over by Christmas. However as Christmas neared, people began to realise that a quick victory wasn't going to happen. Enough people in Britain had had or been witness to telegrams arriving telling the fate of relatives fighting on the front line. The people of Britain has a long fight ahead of them and were only just realising it.
On the Front Line, a stalemate had occurred. Many of you will have now heard about the Christmas Truce of 1914, where enemies became friends for just one day over singing carols and playing football. That was the true Christmas miracle. However high powers on both sides had heard what had gone on and were determined to fight harder to win the war. The soldiers that day had realised something...that the enemy were human as well. They weren't the horrible alien-like things the propaganda posters had made them out to be. They had families and lives back home and would prefer for the war to be over and them able to get on with their lives without having to witness the horrors of war.
For the high powers of the war, they didn't want the Christmas truce news to get back to the home front in case it spoilt the morale and work hard spirit currently felt. This was the story so far and the feelings felt as they entered 1915. For anyone that doesn't know about the Christmas Truce 1914 have a look at the Sainsbury's Christmas advert 2014. This tells the story in such a moving way and is the best possible way of understanding what really happened.
So join me in 2015 as we look back at the events of 1915... Happy New Year!
On the Front Line, a stalemate had occurred. Many of you will have now heard about the Christmas Truce of 1914, where enemies became friends for just one day over singing carols and playing football. That was the true Christmas miracle. However high powers on both sides had heard what had gone on and were determined to fight harder to win the war. The soldiers that day had realised something...that the enemy were human as well. They weren't the horrible alien-like things the propaganda posters had made them out to be. They had families and lives back home and would prefer for the war to be over and them able to get on with their lives without having to witness the horrors of war.
For the high powers of the war, they didn't want the Christmas truce news to get back to the home front in case it spoilt the morale and work hard spirit currently felt. This was the story so far and the feelings felt as they entered 1915. For anyone that doesn't know about the Christmas Truce 1914 have a look at the Sainsbury's Christmas advert 2014. This tells the story in such a moving way and is the best possible way of understanding what really happened.
So join me in 2015 as we look back at the events of 1915... Happy New Year!
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