Railways had been used for a long time before the first world war broke out and actually played a huge part in history in the days before the war broke out. It was the railways in neutral countries Luxembourg and Belgium that Germany wanted to use to get to France. They were told no but the Belgians knew that Germany would ignore this and so set about digging cavities, before filling them with explosives that could be set off with a moments notice. Added to this, derailed trains and emptied engine tanks were used to also block passages. At the beginning of August, German troops took over the railways in Luxembourg, with some travelling right into Belgium by train. Whilst sabotage efforts did manage to slow them down, it didn't stop them. In fact many of the explosives that had been placed inside tunnels failed to explode.
German troops set up Metz, which is now part of France, a huge station that would aid them in the war. It had a staggering eleven platforms and could receive anything up to eighty trains a day. A lot of planning must have gone into this war station because every track had two platforms, one which was to be used my troops and one which would be used for the loading of weapons and other supplies. This meant that trains could be loaded and unloaded relatively straight forwardly and with as little chaos as possible. What Germany really wanted was to get to Paris, the heart of the French railway. Here you could find two railway ring road tracks with lots of lines leading off of them that travelled straight to German boarders, but it was not going to be easy.
On the 4th August, Britain declared war on Germany and Lord Kitchener created a huge recruitment drive which successfully gained thousands of volunteers within days. Volunteers needed to get to training camps as soon as possible and usually travelled the distance by train. As well as this, 80,000 already trained soldiers needed to get to Southampton as soon as possible so that they could get across to France to begin the fighting. Train lines were already in place that went straight to the port key and it was estimated that they would get about seventy trains a day arriving, however they actually managed to get over ninety a day there and so exceeded expectations. The use of the railways and their hard working employees meant that over 66,000 soldiers managed to get across France just in time for the battle at Mons in Belgium. In fact Germany couldn't believe how quickly the British had managed to mobilise an army and get it across the channel.
At the same time, the French 6th Army had been transported, along with their supplies, by train to Marne, where they joined up with British soldiers and fought off the German advance. By this point, it was obvious that the Schlieffen Plan had failed and it was going to be much harder than the Germans had anticipated.
Lord Kitchener's recruitment drive not only hit unskilled workers but it also hit the railway workers with over 100,000 enlisting shortly after war was declared. Many of them were assigned to the Railway Operating Division of the Royal Engineers due to them being highly skills. Their main role was to assemble and maintain the pre-made railways so that they could then get troops and supplies to the front. These pre-made tracks could be assembled along roads wherever needed, at a moments notice. The railway workers possessed skills that could be used at the front and so women were seen more than ever working on the railways. They had previously held domestic roles such as waitressing and cleaning however they were now undertaking harder tasks with some even becoming engineers. Although I would imagine the men too old or young to fight weren't happy about women taking these roles, they had no choice because at the outbreak of the war, the railways had become under government control for the duration of the war. They wanted to transport huge numbers of troops and supplies daily to help the war effort and they didn't care who was doing it so long as it run quickly and efficiently.
The railways also became hugely important when the wounded soldiers began to trickle through and was soon a steady stream as the war progressed. Trains were converted as hospital trains with beds or stretchers laid out instead of seats. It meant that as many of the wounded could be transported within one journey as possible, to get these men much needed treatment. The trains at Southampton were then responsible for transporting those soldiers so badly wounded, to hospitals and convalescent homes around the country. Without these trains, many of those men would have died of their wounds or of infection before they could be treated.
The hard work and efficiency of the railways and the workers helped us win the war for sure. Without them, our soldiers would have arrived at the front a little to late and would have had an uphill struggle to even create the trenches in which they were to live. Although there was still the matter of the shell crisis, it would have been a whole lot worse if we hadn't have been able to transport munitions to the front as quickly as we did. Of course it goes without saying that an army marches on its stomach and our soldiers would have certainly have died from starvation had much needed food not got to the front. One thing that is certain is that the railway helped Britain and her allies win the war.
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Thursday, 2 February 2017
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
Uniforms Of The First World War
Uniform has always played a big role within military history. Even today, you have a parade uniform to be worn on special occasions, as well as your combat uniform which you are still expected to keep in perfect condition.
Before the first world war, uniforms were seen as something to be proud of, very much the same as today. But there was one difference - uniforms then were often made of patriotic colours, but shiny brass buttons and impractical extra's. Uniform was also a way of seeing the enemy and at the outbreak of the first world war, that was still the case. I therefore thought I would give a quick description of the military uniforms of the time so that you can make your mind up about which one was the best.
Starting off with the German Infantry uniform, this is probably one of the most famous of the war, in particular for its Picklehaube which was a spiked helmet with a canvas cover over the top. This was worn for the first two years of the war before in 1916 it being replaced by steel helmets, which still looked odd with the 8mm horns on either side for circulation. The German's modified their tunics as well, creating large turned back cuffs where important documents and belongings could be kept. These tunics were made of wool in a field grey colour so as not to look too bold on the battlefield as well as for warmth. A chest armour also started off as part of the uniform for some of the men, particularly those on sentry or outpost duties, however many of the men ditched these quite quickly into the war. This was probably being they weighed in at a staggering 65kg! In the latter war years, British style Puttees as well as ankle boots were often wore.
The other man enemy, the Austro-Hungarian soldiers had a very similar uniform. Their uniform started off being made in a colour called Pike Grey, which looked more like a blue grey colour. They had a distinctive hat called a Kappe and had a winter and summer blouse, depending on where you were fighting. The summer version was made of a linen material to be cool and breathable. By 1915, the introduction of field grey and field green uniform started however with the shortage of supplies and material, captured Italian uniforms were seen to be used more often.
A country that just simply didn't get the memo about drab colour uniform was France. At the outbreak of the first world war, they could be seen fore miles around in the extremely visible blue coats and red trousers. Although patriotic, you could literally see them in the distance and probably was the reason for so many of their deaths in the first few months of the war. In 1915, French soldiers were issued with horizon-blue clothing, whilst British style Puttees were issued to replace leather gaiters as leather became harder to get hold of. By the end of the war, they also had 'Adrian' steel helmets, with them being the first country to introduce them. These new steel helmets had a purpose, not just to look the part but also to protect the head from shrapnel.
Lastly, the only country to have a camouflage uniform from the beginning, the British. Their uniform was designed to blend more into their surroundings and consisted of a dress tunic, trousers, a stiffened peak cap, Puttee & boots with hobnail soles. Khaki drill uniform was also available to those fighting in warmer climates, being made in a lighter desert colour and of lighter, breathable material.
As with all aspects of the first world war, it was a new war and one which changed how we fight wars forever. Long gone were the nights on shining armour, in their place was a bone weary, dirty looking soldier. These changes to the uniform were the starting point to what we associate with today - blue the the Royal Air Force, camo green or desert colours for the Army.
Before the first world war, uniforms were seen as something to be proud of, very much the same as today. But there was one difference - uniforms then were often made of patriotic colours, but shiny brass buttons and impractical extra's. Uniform was also a way of seeing the enemy and at the outbreak of the first world war, that was still the case. I therefore thought I would give a quick description of the military uniforms of the time so that you can make your mind up about which one was the best.
Starting off with the German Infantry uniform, this is probably one of the most famous of the war, in particular for its Picklehaube which was a spiked helmet with a canvas cover over the top. This was worn for the first two years of the war before in 1916 it being replaced by steel helmets, which still looked odd with the 8mm horns on either side for circulation. The German's modified their tunics as well, creating large turned back cuffs where important documents and belongings could be kept. These tunics were made of wool in a field grey colour so as not to look too bold on the battlefield as well as for warmth. A chest armour also started off as part of the uniform for some of the men, particularly those on sentry or outpost duties, however many of the men ditched these quite quickly into the war. This was probably being they weighed in at a staggering 65kg! In the latter war years, British style Puttees as well as ankle boots were often wore.
The other man enemy, the Austro-Hungarian soldiers had a very similar uniform. Their uniform started off being made in a colour called Pike Grey, which looked more like a blue grey colour. They had a distinctive hat called a Kappe and had a winter and summer blouse, depending on where you were fighting. The summer version was made of a linen material to be cool and breathable. By 1915, the introduction of field grey and field green uniform started however with the shortage of supplies and material, captured Italian uniforms were seen to be used more often.
A country that just simply didn't get the memo about drab colour uniform was France. At the outbreak of the first world war, they could be seen fore miles around in the extremely visible blue coats and red trousers. Although patriotic, you could literally see them in the distance and probably was the reason for so many of their deaths in the first few months of the war. In 1915, French soldiers were issued with horizon-blue clothing, whilst British style Puttees were issued to replace leather gaiters as leather became harder to get hold of. By the end of the war, they also had 'Adrian' steel helmets, with them being the first country to introduce them. These new steel helmets had a purpose, not just to look the part but also to protect the head from shrapnel.
Lastly, the only country to have a camouflage uniform from the beginning, the British. Their uniform was designed to blend more into their surroundings and consisted of a dress tunic, trousers, a stiffened peak cap, Puttee & boots with hobnail soles. Khaki drill uniform was also available to those fighting in warmer climates, being made in a lighter desert colour and of lighter, breathable material.
As with all aspects of the first world war, it was a new war and one which changed how we fight wars forever. Long gone were the nights on shining armour, in their place was a bone weary, dirty looking soldier. These changes to the uniform were the starting point to what we associate with today - blue the the Royal Air Force, camo green or desert colours for the Army.
Tuesday, 30 June 2015
Life AT War - Day By Day - June
On the 3rd June 1915, Austro-German forces recaptured Przemysl which proved to be a crucial city in the south east area of Poland. Subsequently, the entire Russian Front begins to collapse.
On the 9th June 1915, William Jennings Bryan quits as US Secretary of State. US President Wilson personally sent the second Lusitania note to Germany, demanding reparations and prevention of "recurrence of anything so obviously subversive of the principles of warfare". President Wilson refuses to recognise the "warzone" that Germany has proclaimed around the British Isles.
On the 10th June 1915, British and French troops conquered the German colony of Cameroon.
On the 21st June 1915, an Anti-British revolt in South Africa ended with the arresr of General De Law.
On the 23rd June 1915, Italian troops launch the first of what was to become 11 battles to dislodge Austrian troops from the Isonzo River, which separates the Italians from Trieste.
On the 9th June 1915, William Jennings Bryan quits as US Secretary of State. US President Wilson personally sent the second Lusitania note to Germany, demanding reparations and prevention of "recurrence of anything so obviously subversive of the principles of warfare". President Wilson refuses to recognise the "warzone" that Germany has proclaimed around the British Isles.
On the 10th June 1915, British and French troops conquered the German colony of Cameroon.
On the 21st June 1915, an Anti-British revolt in South Africa ended with the arresr of General De Law.
On the 23rd June 1915, Italian troops launch the first of what was to become 11 battles to dislodge Austrian troops from the Isonzo River, which separates the Italians from Trieste.
Friday, 26 June 2015
The Great War - Flying Aces
On the 28th May 1893, Donald Maclaren was born in Canada. In 1914, Donald, his father and his brother had opened a fur trading post but by 1916 this was closed to help the war effort instead. Donald joined the Royal Flying Corps.
In November 1917, after extensive training, Donald was sent to France. His first combat mission didn't take place until February where he shot down a German fighter plane. By March 1918, Donald had helped destroy a railway gun, then go on to shoot down a balloon as well as two German LVG two seaters. For this he was awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
When his Squadron Commander was killed in a crash, Donald was promoted to the role. In late October, whilst competing in a friendly wrestling match with his comrades, Donald broke his leg and was subsequently sent back to hospital in England. He was still there when the Armistice news filtered through.
By the end of the war Donald had seen just seven months of combat. However in this time he had a Military Cross & Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the DSO, the French Legion of Honour and the Croix De Guerre to his name.
After the war, Donald spent two years in command of the Canadian pilots stationed in England with the Royal Canadian Airforce before later forming Pacific Airways. He died on the 4th July 1988 in British Columbia aged 95.
In November 1917, after extensive training, Donald was sent to France. His first combat mission didn't take place until February where he shot down a German fighter plane. By March 1918, Donald had helped destroy a railway gun, then go on to shoot down a balloon as well as two German LVG two seaters. For this he was awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
When his Squadron Commander was killed in a crash, Donald was promoted to the role. In late October, whilst competing in a friendly wrestling match with his comrades, Donald broke his leg and was subsequently sent back to hospital in England. He was still there when the Armistice news filtered through.
By the end of the war Donald had seen just seven months of combat. However in this time he had a Military Cross & Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the DSO, the French Legion of Honour and the Croix De Guerre to his name.
After the war, Donald spent two years in command of the Canadian pilots stationed in England with the Royal Canadian Airforce before later forming Pacific Airways. He died on the 4th July 1988 in British Columbia aged 95.
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.
Friday, 31 October 2014
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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