Weapons & The First World War - Mauser Gewehr

Hello everyone and welcome back to our weapons and the first world war series where today we just wanted to touch on the Mauser Gewehr rifle. This rifle was and still is known as one of Germany's most notable bolt action rifle and one that was popular for a long time. It was designed by Peter Paul Mauser in response to the French Lebel M1888 and was used widely in German forces throughout the first world war. 

Weapons & The First World War - Big Bertha

Hello everyone and welcome back to our weapons & the first world war series where today we are talking all about Big Bertha. Big Bertha was a German mobile howitzer that was named after the inventor Alfred Krupp's wife. 

Big Bertha got it's name because it weighed in at a staggering 45 tonnes. She could fire a 2,200lb shell over 9 miles and so played a huge part in the German fight. Due to her size however, Big Betha had to be transported in sections by Daimler-Bentz tractors and then pieced back together again once in position. This usually took a crew of 200 men over 6 hours to re-assemble. 

When war broke out, two Big Betha's had been situated just outside the fortress of Liege in Belgium, where they played a huge part of securing the town and surrounding area. This was an area that was fought over many times, with Big Bertha being right at the centre. 

Railways & The First World War

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. 

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. 

The First World War - German Homefront

When you search for the home front during the first world war, it is filled with information about what life was like in Britain, yet it is extremely difficult to find information on what life was like in Germany at the same time. Maybe it is because they lost the war? Or maybe it was something that was kept a secret from the rest of the world so that they didn't show how much the war had affected the country. 

At the outbreak of the first world war, there was one country that was better prepared for war than any other nation and that was Germany. What they weren't prepared for was how long the war would last. Like Britons, they thought it would be over pretty quickly. 

From early on in the war, conscription was informed with a vast number of German men being called up. This led to a shortage of male labour in the country, so women and youths were used to fill the job roles.At this time in history, much like Briton, women were paid far less than men for doing the same job. In fact it was usually half the pay of a man's, which, for families, was a huge amount of income lost and so many families found themselves suddenly in extreme poverty. 

Although there is very little information to be had, I would imagine that children, especially boys, suddenly had the weight of the world on their shoulders as they became the man of the family. Schools and childhoods were no longer seen as important, instead it was doing everything possible to win the war. But this was not going to be easy.

Allied soldiers had created a blockade, making importation extremely difficult, so food and supplies were suddenly in short supply. Attention was then turned to the farmers in the country who were called upon to be the main source of food. For many German's, their diet mainly consisted of potatoes on bread so that the German Army could benefit from good nutritious diet so that they could continue to fight.  In 1915, riots started throughout Germany, as many thought farmers in rural areas were stock piling their food whilst the rest of the country was going without. 

By 1916, soap, fat, cheese, butter and eggs were unavailable with coal, shoes and textiles also being almost non-existent. But things were about to get much worse with the winter of 1916/17. A bitterly cold, frosty winter had killed off pretty much all of the potatoes in Germany which was a huge problem considering they made up most of the diet on the German home front. Turnips, which were usually only used to feed livestock, were suddenly being used to fed a hungry nation. Food was so scarce that even the German army had to cut rations in what became known as the Turnip Winter. 

With such a lack of food came with it malnutrition and death due to weakened bodies. Over the course of the war, over 474,000 civilians died various causes all relating to undernourishment and poor diet. 

I can't help that think although there were a lot of similarities between the British home front and the German home front, the German's had it worse off in that respect. Whilst us British never wanted a war and certainly weren't prepared for one, we were pretty quick in setting up organisations and committees to not just win the war but survive as a nation. In contrast, it seems like the German government were so consumed with fighting and winning the war, that they didn't see the problems they were going to be facing at home should the war drag on. It was something that in the years to come Hitler recognised to a certain extend, where during the second world war, he set up various organisations that would help the war effort on the home front.  

Merchant Navy & The First World War

Britain, being a small island relied heavily on the imports and exports of food and raw materials. This was transported by something that we call the Merchant Navy today, although it wasn't named that until after the war. 

German officials knew how important the shipping lines were to Britain and set about trying to control and blockade them in order to disrupt Allied trade and thus in turn weaken Britain. For many years Britain's naval fleets had been known all over the world as the best and so rather than just trying to sink naval vessels, German submarines were told to target any enemy vessel, including the Merchant Navy. German headquarters had ordered an unrestricted submarine warfare that would have devastating consequences. 

In 1916, Britain formed a new strategy for their ships, which was desperately needed when ships were being sunk quicker than they could be made. The idea was for ships to sail in convoys, with the hope of being strength in numbers. This meant that warships would help escort merchant and passenger vessels for protection. The new ideas didn't stop there though - courses were made in a zigzag to confuse German submarines of the route and destination the British vessels were taking. The Royal Naval Air Service provided extra surveillance and protection as they flew over the convoys, spotting submerged submarines and as air cover should enemy planes arrive.

Despite these new tactics, the Merchant Navy alone suffered greatly. With German submarines sinking ships on sight, the British Merchant Navy lost an estimated 15,000 sailors who were travelling on over 3,000 merchant and fishing vessels during the course of the war. After the war, King George V recognised just how much of an important part the Merchant Navy and its crew played in helping to win the war and as a result, those ships that helped get supplies to the island, the sailors who helped make it happen and the service they provided became named the Merchant Navy. 

Refugee's Of The First World War

The term refugee has been one of the most talked about subject of recent months as Europe struggles with the huge influx trying to get into Europe over the last couple years. However this is not the first time that Europe has had this struggle, especially in Britain.

At the outbreak of the first world war, millions of civilians from all over what we now know as Europe found themselves either fleeing or being forced to leave their homeland by force as a consequence of the hostilities. When Russia invaded East Prussia in 1914, over one million Germans had to flee. This had a knock on effect as when Germany then occupied the like of Belgium, Northern France, Poland and Lithuania, people that called these countries there home also felt the need to flee, after hearing reports and witnessing for themselves the brutality of German soldiers.  When another country invades your homeland, the invaders expect you to automatically welcome them and fit into their beliefs and ideas. However throughout history, we have come to realise that this is never going to happy. At the start of the war, those countries Germany had invaded were very much divided but all fighting for survival. Neighbours and friends all to often became enemies. You had those who either wanted to be a part of the German ideals or were just too afraid to stand up and speak against them. You also had those that spoke against the German regime and the consequences could be fatal. Shortly after the Germans had entered Belgium without permission, stories filtering back to Britain told of German troops shooting innocent civilians including a tiny baby. This understandably caused widespread fear and panic enough for people to want to leave what had been their homes for generations. 
The refugee's travelled to France, The Netherlands and England in a bid to escape the enemy where charities were set up to give aid to them and find them places to live and work. Even back then, the refugee's were closely monitored to make sure they were behaving and that none were the enemy in disguise. Local people in Britain offered a room to the refugee's and helped find them employment. However as the war progressed, some refugee's demanded better care and treatment which caused bad feeling between them and the British. The British thought the refugee's were being ungrateful and that they had no intention of going back home after the war had ended. After all, this was only a temporary situation for the duration, it wasn't meant to last forever. 

By the time the war ended, most of the refugee's had decided to either go back home or emigrate to places like America. The was still some that did not want to return to Belgium, so both the Belgium and British governments pleaded with the refugee's to return home and even offered free passage home to them. By 1920 a staggering 90% had returned home. However, it was a very different home they had gone back to and one that would take a lot of time and money to get it back into a liveable country. 

Life AT War - Day By Day

1st September 1915

The German ambassador pledges to the US that German submarines will no longer sink liners without warning, providing safety of the passengers and crew - a consequence of the sinking of the British liner SS Arabic where 44 people were killed.

Life AT War - Day By Day

19th August 1915

Rationing laws have gone into effect in the Netherlands.

The Battle of Van has begun.

The British liner, SS Arabic, has been sunk by a German submarine without warning, whilst sailing from Liverpool to New York. It is reported to 44 people have lost their lives.

Life AT War - Day By Day

21st July 1915

US President Wilson has sent the third Lusitania note from America, warning Germany that future infringement of American rights will be deemed "deliberately unfriendly".

Life AT War - Day By Day

15th July 1915

The head of German propaganda in the US, Dr Heinrich Albert has lost his briefcase on a subway in New York City. 

The Austro-German forces have launched an offensive along the Eastern Front.


Later an extensive examination of the lost briefcase's content revealed an extensive network of German espionage and subversion across America.

Life AT War - Day By Day

10th July 1915

British and South African troops have marched straight into former German occupied South West Africa.

Life AT War - Day By Day

9th July 1915

Germany has surrendered South West Africa to the Union of South Africa.

Life AT War - Day By Day

8th July 1915

Germany has replied to President Wilson's Lusitania note by saying that American ships may sail through Europe with no harm coming to them as long as they are clearly marked neutral. None of President Wilson's demands have been met.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Life AT War - Day by Day

18th February 1915

Germany has begun a blockade of Britain in an attempt to stop supplies and soldiers reaches both Britain and the Front Line.