Showing posts with label german. Show all posts
Showing posts with label german. Show all posts
Sunday, 19 March 2017
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.
Friday, 10 March 2017
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.
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.
Sunday, 24 July 2016
The Somme News - No. Three
An attack has taken place on this eighteenth day of the Battle of the Somme at Fromelles, which is situated to the north of the Somme battlefield. German soldiers have been making strong counter-attacks at Longueval and Delville Wood all day. Drizzle has been falling all afternoon and soldiers are reportedly feeling exhausted after three weeks of constant fighting.
The nineteenth day of the battle has seen German soldiers attack Longueval, Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood. Fighting in Delville Wood is continuing.
Whilst the attacks by the enemy on Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood were repulsed yesterday, the twentieth day of the battle has seen the fighting continue at both Longueval and Delville Wood.
Reports of fighting at High Wood are filtering through on this twenty-first day of the battle. Haig has also made a visit to Rawlinson, in a bid to make clear how important the need to capture the village of Guillemont is.
Violent fighting on the Pozieres to Guillemont front can be heard on what is now the twenty-second day of the Battle of the Somme. Aerial reconnaissance missions have brought the news that a new German trench line has been dug in front of the switch line to the north west of High Wood.
The second phrase of the Somme battle has begun twenty-three days in, with fierce fighting in and around the village of Pozieres. The British recaptured the whole of Longueval earlier today, but reports are coming in this evening that the northern part of the village has been recaptured by German soldiers.
The twenty-fourth day of the battle has seen fighting continue at Pozieres as well as a German counter attack at both High Wood and Guillemont, despite the high temperature of 55 degrees.
Remember to check back on the 31st July for the latest news.
The nineteenth day of the battle has seen German soldiers attack Longueval, Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood. Fighting in Delville Wood is continuing.
Whilst the attacks by the enemy on Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood were repulsed yesterday, the twentieth day of the battle has seen the fighting continue at both Longueval and Delville Wood.
Reports of fighting at High Wood are filtering through on this twenty-first day of the battle. Haig has also made a visit to Rawlinson, in a bid to make clear how important the need to capture the village of Guillemont is.
Violent fighting on the Pozieres to Guillemont front can be heard on what is now the twenty-second day of the Battle of the Somme. Aerial reconnaissance missions have brought the news that a new German trench line has been dug in front of the switch line to the north west of High Wood.
The second phrase of the Somme battle has begun twenty-three days in, with fierce fighting in and around the village of Pozieres. The British recaptured the whole of Longueval earlier today, but reports are coming in this evening that the northern part of the village has been recaptured by German soldiers.
The twenty-fourth day of the battle has seen fighting continue at Pozieres as well as a German counter attack at both High Wood and Guillemont, despite the high temperature of 55 degrees.
Remember to check back on the 31st July for the latest news.
Friday, 25 September 2015
Life AT War - Day By Day
25th September 1915
The Battle of Loos has begun. This long and devastating battle was to last until the 14th October. The British deployed Chlorine gas across to the German front line, however due to the strong wind current, this was quickly blown back across No Mans Land and back to the British Front Line. An estimated 59,000 British & 26,000 German casualties were the result of this battle.
The Second Battle of Champagne has begun.
The Battle of Loos has begun. This long and devastating battle was to last until the 14th October. The British deployed Chlorine gas across to the German front line, however due to the strong wind current, this was quickly blown back across No Mans Land and back to the British Front Line. An estimated 59,000 British & 26,000 German casualties were the result of this battle.
The Second Battle of Champagne has begun.
Wednesday, 26 August 2015
Life AT War - Day By Day
26th August 1915
The Russian city of Best-Litovsk is currently overrun with German troops.
The Russian city of Best-Litovsk is currently overrun with German troops.
Wednesday, 5 August 2015
Life AT War - Day By Day
5th August 1915
Russian soldiers have evacuated Warsaw, where shortly afterwards it was occupied by German troops.
Russian soldiers have evacuated Warsaw, where shortly afterwards it was occupied by German troops.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)